Berber carpet vintage 184×281 cm. AGHILAS

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Vacuum the Berber carpet regularly and take it outside and shake it once in a while. Stains are removed by soaking up the stain as quickly as possible with a cloth and then dabbing the stain with a damp cloth. The carpet is 100 % pure wool and is naturally covered with lanolin on each fiber, which means that stains do not penetrate into the carpet. Should we be lucky enough to get snow one winter in Denmark, then finally lay out the blanket in the white snow. This will thoroughly clean the carpet – completely naturally.

Origin

• Boujaad carpets come from Haouz Plain in central Morocco, near the city Boujad, west of the Atlas Mountains.

• They are woven from Berber women, often for family use – not for trade – which makes many of the old carpets completely unique.

• The tradition has been passed down through generations and carries strong symbols that reflect the weaver's life, hopes and dreams.

Characteristics

• Colors: Boujaad is known for his warm, saturated colors in pink, red, orange, rust, coral and earthy colors – often colored with natural plant and mineral dyes.

• Patterns:

  • Typical diamond patterns or geometric symbols, often more free and irregular than, for example, Beni Ourain.

  • Many carpets have some kind of “abstract poetry” in the design – asymmetrical, but with strong symbolism.

• Materials: Traditionally wool, but especially in recent times you can find blends of wool and cotton.

• Texture: They are generally thinner than Beni Ouarain, with lower pile and more tightly woven structure.

Symbolism

Like many Berber rugs, the patterns are filled with meaning:

• Diamonds = fertility, femininity and protection.

• Hooks, zigzags and lines = life's journey and resistance.

• The colors = red is often associated with strength and protection, pink with love and intimacy.

Popularity and rarity

• Vintage Boujaad rugs (especially those from the 1950s–1970s) are highly sought after today because they are often woven from handspun wool and dyed with natural dyes.

• They are less often than Beni Ourain because they were woven in smaller numbers and were not produced for export.

• Today, demand is high among designers and collectors, especially in Europe and the United States, where Boujaad is considered a perfect combination of bohemian, vintage and artistic expression.

• Newer Boujaad rugs are still woven, but they do not have the same deep patina and natural play of colors as the older ones – which is why the vintage versions are most sought after.