Association Zaouia · Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 52cm x 59cm x 2cm — 5ft x 1ft 11in x 1in
WEIGHT
650 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread
PRODUCT ID
#25950
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
Fatima Ait Haddou
Fatima was born in Ait Chaaouali. She moved to Sidi Yahya after getting married and has three children. Her son is currently attending high school, very far away from home. While her other son dropped out due to the distance. Her youngest daughter is 3 years old. Fatima learned how to weave at her home growing up and makes Beni-Ourain rugs. She joined Association Zaouia in 2012. Her goal is to help her children finish school and graduate.
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
