Beni Ourain

Bazaar Living has a beautiful selection of Beni Ourain rugs. 

These soft and luxurious rugs are handmade in the Beni Ourain area by a group of Berbers made up of 17 different tribes from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. In addition to rug making these tribes are goat herders and sheep shepherds who are nomadic and move from one grazing area to the next. With 17 different tribes crafting rugs, there are subtle differences in design elements and colors. Their lives as shepherds also assure that their rugs are made from the finest Moroccan wools.

Like with all Moroccan rugs, the tradition has been handed down from generation to generation. Beni Ourain rugs throughout their history have depicted life events within the tribes. The pattern of the rug you purchase at Bazaar Living could be representing an event such as a birth, a ritual, tribal religious belief or an aspect of rural life in the Atlas Mountains. Many Beni Quarain rugs also include lucky charm, superstition and spiritual symbolism.

As with most Moroccan rugs, the original purpose of the weaving was not necessarily intended as a floor covering. The Beni Ourain used their weaves as blankets and bedspreads. The loose structuring of the rugs was meant to conform to the contour of the body.

The definitive Beni Ourain has black and brown lines or abstract shape framed against a white or cream background. Some rugs feature the ancient Berber alphabets. Some enjoy purchasing Beni Ouarain rugs due to their similarity to Native American patterns.

If you want a rug with a rich history and the durability to last a lifetime, please look at our beautiful collection of Beni Ouarain rugs.