Association Zaouia · Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 90cm x 1m 13cm x 3cm — 6ft 3in x 3ft 8in x 1in
WEIGHT
5530 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread, Wool , and Spindle
PRODUCT ID
#6578
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
Fatima Ait El Hajj
Fatima is a native of Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef. She lives with her two daughters and has two sons who do small construction work in the city of Tetouan. Her husband works multiple small jobs to make ends meet. Fatima learned how to weave, when she got married at the age of 20, from her mother and other young brides. She makes rugs that are specific to her village of Zaouia. She joined the weaverβs association in 2012 to improve her familyβs living conditions. Through weaving, she hopes to afford a heart surgery needed to treat her heart condition.
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
