Cooperative Nahda · Souq El Hed
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
3m x 2m x 3cm — 9ft 10in x 6ft 7in x 1in
WEIGHT
12700 g
MATERIALS
Tadout - Wool, Wool String, Dyed Wool, and Beets
PRODUCT ID
#29210
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
Naima Mehboub
Naima Mehboub was born just a few kilometers outside of Oued Ifrane. She is married to a day laborer who works in agriculture and construction. Naima and her husband currently have three boys and one girl. Many women in the village know her as a fun person and super easy going – characteristics of a great weaving partner. Naima is currently studying basic math, reading and writing at classes provided by a local association.
Fatima Hajou
Fatima Hajou was born in Errachidia and moved to Oued Ifrane when her parents moved to the village for work. She never formally attended school but is a regular at a local association’s math and literacy classes. She has been involved with the association since 2011 and specializes in the btaniya and tazrbit carpets. Fatima is married and has two children, whom she hopes she’ll be able to support with the income she makes from her sales.
Zolikha laytoun
Zolikha was born in 1987, from AIt Bilhage Lehamamm near Zaouia Oued Ifrane. She is married and learned weaving from her family as a younger women. Now, she is attempting to become literate as part of a local literacy program. Her teacher is the secretary of association Nahda.
Hafida hafsi
Hafida was born in 1979 in Oued Ifrane where she has lived her whole life. She is not married and has attended school through her second year of college. She is the treasurer of the association's sister, and learned weaving from her family members. She wants to create new designs for her carpets, creating new motifs that unique and original.
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
