Association Zaouia · Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 80cm x 1m 5cm x 1cm — 5ft 11in x 3ft 5in x 1in
WEIGHT
2690 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread, Mouzoun, and Twisted Wool Yarn
PRODUCT ID
#19449
The Beni-Ourain rug is used daily in the lives of local Moroccans. They are used for everything from bed covers to simple living room rugs. They can also be used for special occasions, like weddings. It is said that the women transfer their feelings into these rugs while crafting them.
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MEET THE MAKERS
Fatima Mamouh
Born in Tihnda village(2 hours away from Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef), Fatima moved when she got married. They have a small amount of land they use to farm. However, her husband mostly works in other people’s fields in order to make a living. They had three kids, although one died recently at the young age of 17 years old. Her daughter is 7 years old and her son goes to high school in a small nearby city called Tounfite. Due to her poor health, she never worked before joining the association last year in 2019. She sells rugs that her mother taught her how to make. Currently, Fatima lives with her family and parents-in-law. She wishes to help her husband and father-in-law with the home’s expenses. When her financial situation improves,she wants to fix their house’s roof and get better furniture. Additionally, she wants to go on pilgrimage to Mecca. When asked about the future, Fatima hopes both her kids become teachers and that she can travel somewhere new, but where the culture is still similar.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Association Zaouia hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $17 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef, Morocco · about 4 hours from Fez
