Association Zaouia · Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 72cm x 1m x 1cm — 5ft 8in x 3ft 3in x 1in
WEIGHT
4555 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread, Assorted Color Threads, Wool , and Spindle
PRODUCT ID
#2288
The Beni-Ourain rug is used daily in the lives of local Moroccans. They are used for everything from bed covers to simple living room rugs. They can also be used for special occasions, like weddings. It is said that the women transfer their feelings into these rugs while crafting them.
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MEET THE MAKERS
Fathma Zerda
Fathma was born in Ait Heddab and moved to Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef after marrying her husband. They have eight kids: four daughters, three of which are married and one who is pursuing her studies. And four sons, three of which travel around doing small jobs and one who is pursuing quranic studies in the city of Agadir. She joined the weaver’s association, like most women, to help her family earn a better income in 2012. Fathma learned to weave when she was ten from her mother. She makes beni-ourain, handira and hanbel rugs. When she is not making rugs, she spends her time teaching other women how to weave. Her goal is to support her family members financially.
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
