An ancient artistic tradition of Morocco, tribal weaving reveals the habits of village life – the men tending to the sheep, while the women make the rugs. From expressions of the natural environment to the emotions and aspirations of the maker, the abstract compositions that meander across a carpet give insight into the land and people of its origin.

Azilal rugs are produced by the tribes of the Azilal province in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. These single-knot carpets are made with a background of white sheep’s wool, which is woven with undyed brown or black wools, and the occasional brighter hue. Versatile for being placed upon the floor or hung upon a wall, these rugs sport abstract patterns created from an avant-garde style of weaving recognised as an art form.

Berber rugs stem from the Berber tribes of the northeastern Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. These rugs feature a longer thick pile as the rugs have been traditionally used as bedding and floor coverings to keep warm in the cold mountain regions. These carpets are double-knotted by hand using undyed natural wool. Traditionally, Berber rugs feature heavy white or cream pile interspersed by black or brown geometric diamond patterns.

You can find a selection of Azilal and Berber rugs at AP Design House in Paddington and Hamimi in East Brisbane.

Image via Rugs of Morocco.