Vintage Beni Ouarain Berber Rug
N°
04066
Period
Circa 1940
Origin
Northeastern Middle Atlas, Morocco
Materials
Wool
Status
Sold
Size
370 cm x 200 cm12'1" x 6'6"
The Beni Ouarain confederation is composed of seventeen tribes inhabiting the high mountain region of the northeastern Middle Atlas. Their rugs differ from other Berber weavings in that they are woven almost exclusively on an ivory background and decorated with abstract geometric motifs in undyed natural brown/black wool. The pattern is typically composed of an all-over grid of lozenges with little or no variation. On this early, finely woven example the rhythm is elegantly broken down with different filler motifs as well as by the chequerboard pattern at both ends.