Cooperative Nahda · Souq El Hed
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 48cm x 1m 3cm x 3cm — 4ft 10in x 3ft 5in x 1in
WEIGHT
3200 g
MATERIALS
Tadout - Wool, Dyed Wool, and Cotton
PRODUCT ID
#21169
Beni Ourain style rugs are pile knot rugs intricately designed and are used as two sided rugs in Oued Ifrane. There is the summer side, when the pile side is placed face down on the ground to keep things cooler. During the winter, the pile side is placed up to keep things warmer. You can find these carpets with natural wool from the local sheep or cotton yarn bought from the village market. Depending on the size of the rug, it can take weeks to create. Each knot needs to be individually tied and cut, so one person is only able to create a meter in two weeks.
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MEET THE MAKERS
Zineb M3mri
Zineb was born in 1970 in Scheret in Ait Aziz Merert. She has never had the chance to attend school, but now is the mother of two girls and one boy. Her husband is retired from his work in the military, so it is her responsibility to support her family. Zineb learned weaving from her mother.
Naima azroial
Naima was born in 1974 in Sfrou, attended school until the 3rd grade, and learned how to weave from her mother. She is married to a cab driver from Oued Ifrane, which is why she moved there. Naima is part of the coop in order to support herself and her husband financially.
Hlima sbai
Hlima was born in 1967 in the community of Midelt. She learned how to weave from her mother and never has had the opportunity to attend school. She was married to a man from the local area but her husband divorced her because she was unable to have children. She remarried to a man who did not want children from her as she is his second wife supporting the children of the first wife who is ill. Hlima is a member of the coop to be productive with her time and show the other women her extensive skills in weaving.
Hafida Mahboub
Hafida was born in Scherat, is one of the creators of the association, is married and is the mother of two children. She has never had the opportunity to attend school, but has learned weaving from her mother and sisters.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Cooperative Nahda hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $14 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Souq El Hed, Morocco · about 2 heures 17 minutes from Fez
