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Despite what the masses may have in mind, when it comes to an
authentic Moroccan Berber carpet, a soul can all but forget
about the looped, coarse pile that they recognize and have
become accustomed to. In fact, many probably could not
recognize the real thing from the other. What many identify as
Berber is nowhere near the true beauty of the unique handmade
Moroccan artistry.
The Berber tribe of Morocco, the first peoples to inhabit the
northern area of Africa, has been hand-knotting their world
famous wool carpets for ages; but it was not until the 12th
century that the trade became a viable source of income for
Berber tribes. Colorful and expertly weaved, the rugs with a
whitish background were often a showpiece of scrolls,
inscriptions or geometric design in earthy colors. They
achieved their mark in being both decorative and functional.
The draw to such an item as a Moroccan Berber carpet is in its
authenticity. Nothing speaks volumes about quality than
something that is handmade. In this respect, even rugs with the
same design or pattern will never be exactly alike. It is an art
form that is, for the most part, the foundation of an entire
people. There is no element of mass production in this case.
Skilled artisans, masters of their trade, use a number of
techniques and also put their own distinct touch into every
carpet they make. Hand-knotted wool in a spectrum of colors
means there is an entire range and possibility to what each
carpet will look like. While some carpets will have a tall wool
pile, this is not always the case.
It will be a matter of taste when choosing a Moroccan Berber
carpet with a certain design. Seeing that this is somewhat of a
tribal art with a long history, whether the pattern is more
geometric or flowing, each motif will have a level of meaning
behind it. This is yet another thing that makes these carpets
so valuable.
The carpets, as mentioned, are meant to be decorative as well
as functional. While some see fit to use the carpets as such,
many enjoy the affect they have as a wall hanging. Others like
them draped over a chair or laying across the foot of a bed.
Whatever the choice, using the carpets in conjunction with
other corresponding ethnic items will automatically give a
unique decorative touch to any room in the house.
As they are masterfully created by hand from all natural
components, there is an innate ability of these carpets to give
a room or area of a house that down to earth, natural feel that
so many look for. The vibrant reds and other earthy colors
blend perfectly in lines that merge together or run
distinctively in the pattern. Centuries of expertise can be
witnessed in every single detail.
The quality of such pieces cannot be beat and will add an air
of class to a home, something an imitation will never be able
to do. Time and effort go into each piece and this will
definitely show wherever the carpet is displayed. There is a
great level of pride taken in workmanship as opposed to
unfeeling machines that dole out copy after copy.
In the search for one-of-a-kind items for the home, a Moroccan
Berber carpet definitely falls into the category of precious
housewares. It is an item that is the glorious offspring of
centuries of artistry. Pleasing to the eye as well as useful,
this item is ideal for those who have a taste for quality
items, expressing a character that is unique and timeless.
About The Author: Andy West is a freelance writer for Nine Seas
D=C8cor. Nine Seas D=C8cor is quickly becoming one of the largest
importers of Moroccan Berber Carpet into the US market. For
more information, please visit
http://www.nineseasdecor.com/Home-Decor-Catalog/Rugs-Flooring-Wool-Carpets
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