Association Zaouia · Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
3m 5cm x 1m 12cm x 3cm — 10ft x 3ft 8in x 1in
WEIGHT
11300 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread, Wool , and Spindle
PRODUCT ID
#9703
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 Ait Haddou
Fatima was born in Ait Chaaouali. She moved to Sidi Yahya after getting married and has three children. Her son is currently attending high school, very far away from home. While her other son dropped out due to the distance. Her youngest daughter is 3 years old. Fatima learned how to weave at her home growing up and makes Beni-Ourain rugs. She joined Association Zaouia in 2012. Her goal is to help her children finish school and graduate.
Meryam Achaoui
Meryam is from Zaouia. She had a limited education growing up. She left school, like most girls in her village, because there was no secondary school close by. She was able to learn how to weave at home as a child. She enjoys making rugs and Handira. She joined Association Zaouia in 2012, as a way to earn an income. She hopes to be able to support her mother's Hajj to Mecca.
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
