In the world of interior design, a timeless treasure has enamored enthusiasts for decades—the Moroccan Beni Ourain rug. In recent times, it has stepped into the limelight as an emblem of chic and artistic home decor. These extraordinary rugs infuse contemporary living spaces with creativity, bold design, and an age-old, authentic charm.
Distinguishing Authenticity
It’s crucial to distinguish ‘Beni Ourain’ from other Moroccan black and white rugs, as they are not one and the same. Unfortunately, the surge in popularity has led to a proliferation of vintage imitations that bear little resemblance to the original creations meticulously crafted by the Berber tribes of Morocco, providing little benefit to these indigenous communities.
The Roots of Beni Ourain
The roots of Beni Ourain carpets stretch back to the Berber tribes residing in Morocco’s northeastern Middle Atlas Mountains and neighboring regions. The ‘Beni Ourain’ umbrella encompasses seventeen Berber tribes, with a history dating as far back as the 9th century. Initially, these carpets were woven for the practical purpose of providing warmth during severe winters, serving as beds and cozy sleeping mats rather than conventional floor coverings. This unique purpose has given rise to their distinct characteristics—long, loose, thick, flexible, and relatively narrow. They offer comfort that can be wrapped around the body to ward off the biting cold of winter nights.
The Timeless Design
A quintessential Beni Ourain carpet design typically comprises a blend of diamonds or lozenges on a natural cream base, often showcasing elegantly simple graphics. However, the oldest Beni Ourain carpets boasted richer, more intricate designs, which have evolved over time.
The Threat of Replicas
Regrettably, the rise of imitation factories has flooded the market with low-priced replicas. These rugs are woven by underpaid women using subpar materials and dyes, then artificially aged with chemicals. In some cases, the wool is dyed bright white, causing damage to its quality.
Discerning Authenticity
So, how can one discern an authentic Beni Ourain rug from a replica? An original piece is typically long, sometimes exceeding 4 meters, and relatively narrow. Authentic vintage tribal carpets often exhibit signs of wear, such as areas of low pile, marks, restoration work, and evidence of their past lives, including patches where candle wax dripped or henna dye was spilled—these imperfections are cherished as natural signs of authenticity.
Traditional Craftsmanship
Beni Ourain weavers traditionally used wool from specific sheep breeds and employed a distinctive knotting technique, further distinguishing genuine vintage carpets. An old piece may feature a spontaneous and archaic lozenge-based design, often enhanced with unique touches added by the weaver, showcasing the care and pride that went into its creation. Carpets woven by women for their personal use were crafted with the utmost dedication, utilizing the finest wool available.
The Quest for Authenticity
In conclusion, when embarking on the journey to find a Beni Ourain rug, prioritize authenticity and originality. The pursuit of a genuine piece is a rewarding endeavor that brings a touch of timeless elegance to your living space.
