Pile Knot Rug

Fatima Houssien

Fatima was born in a near by village and moved to Tadula Zanfi to marry her now husband. Her husband was married before and had nine children, but his wife unexpectedly passed away. As such Fatima embraced the children as her own. Many of her children are studying in school and doing well. Her husband is now retired. In her free time, Fatima attends the literacy courses put on by her association. She also contributes to the association due to her skills in weaving.

Ijja Mochrika

Ijja was born in Teznacht and moved to Teduit ZanFi because that is where her husband's family lived. She is the mother to six children, all of whom are still in school. Four of them live in Agadir, leaving the village to look for a job. Ijja lives with two of her children, one of whom is suffering from mental illness. There is no way to get treatment for her, though the other four children have chipped in to try and cover medical expenses. Now, she is still in the process of looking for money to be able to pay for treatment for her sick son. Ijja used to just make rugs by herself, but it is was not enough to support her son and herself. Then, one person from the association encouraged her to join as a member. The association donated some livestock and weaving materials to her and her family and have allowed her to earn more income. She hopes that her products will sell well.

Khadija Kotaniu

Khadija is the president of the association and was born in Tedouit ZanFi in 1977, and is taught herself how to weave and develop skills in the craft, which is why she has wanted the products of their cooperative to be widely recognized in Morocco and famous worldwide. She hopes that she and all of the other women of the association will be able to earn sustainable income. She wants to create a new generation of weavers so that this craft may stay alive. Through the other women of the cooperative, she has learned new skills in pattern design.