Cooperative Nahda · Souq El Hed
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
2m 45cm x 1m 85cm x 3cm — 8ft x 6ft 1in x 1in
WEIGHT
12800 g
MATERIALS
Tadout - Wool, Wool String, and Dyed Wool
PRODUCT ID
#27314
Beni Ourain style rugs are pile knot rugs intricately designed and are used as two sided rugs in Oued Ifrane. There is the summer side, when the pile side is placed face down on the ground to keep things cooler. During the winter, the pile side is placed up to keep things warmer. You can find these carpets with natural wool from the local sheep or cotton yarn bought from the village market. Depending on the size of the rug, it can take weeks to create. Each knot needs to be individually tied and cut, so one person is only able to create a meter in two weeks.
COLORS IN THIS PIECE
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MEET THE MAKERS
Fatima Gourami
Fatima was born in Oued Ifrane and has lived in the village for most of her life. Despite the passing of her husband, she has survived and thrived because of her warm personality and incredibly positive outlook on life. Fatima is an integral member of Association Nahda because she is not only willing to try new things, but she is also willing to teach what she has learned to the other members.
El Kibera Tahiri
El Kibera Tahiri was born in Oued Ifrane and runs a small store that sells clothing to local villagers. El Kibera joined the association in 2012 and specializes in all the products that the association makes. She hopes that through her sales on Anou, sheβll earn enough money to organize a Moroccan craft fair in New York. In the future, she wants to become fluent in both French and English.
Fatima Mahboub
Fatima Mahboub was born in 1963 in the Ait Aziz village and currently lives near Ifrane river. She is married and the mother of three sons and a daughter. She has never been to school but learned weaving from her mother since childhood as well as western dressmaking. She has never showcased her work in fairs but has joined Association Nahda recently to gain more exposure to the artisan and craft world.
Fatima Hafsi
Fatima Hafsi was born in 1969 in Oued Ifrane. She is married and has two daughters. She has recently joined the association but has known weaving for a long time, learning it from her mother. She attended school until the third grade in primary school only. From her experience, she wishes to teach the young girls who are dropping out of school nowadays how to weave in order to give them purpose but also to pursue the transmission of her craft and make sure it doesnβt disappear.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Cooperative Nahda hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $14 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Souq El Hed, Morocco · about 2 heures 17 minutes from Fez
