Association Zaouia · Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 60cm x 75cm x 2cm — 5ft 3in x 2ft 6in x 1in
WEIGHT
1900 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread
PRODUCT ID
#22417
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.
See something off — or want to help the artisans improve? Rate this piece in Rate-o-Rama →
MEET THE MAKERS
Aicha Rahim
Aicha was born in Assakka, a village located an hour away from Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef. Her husband works different seasonal jobs to secure a minimal income. They have 3 daughters and 2 sons. Her oldest daughter is married and lives in the small city of Tounfite. Her second oldest daughter has finished high school. While the rest of her kids currently attend school. Aicha’s mother taught her how to weave as a young girl. She enjoys making traditional rugs and Hanbal rugs. She joined Association Zaouia in 2011, however did not make very many sales when they first began(They sold less than 5 rugs in three years). She hopes that by opening an online store, all the weavers will finally earn a real income. She hopes to earn enough to finally be able to fix her home and provide for her kids.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Association Zaouia hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $17 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef, Morocco · about 4 hours from Fez
