Beni Mguild, Tribal region in Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco.
Beni Mguild is a tribal region in the Middle Atlas Mountains spanning the Azaghar Plateau, mountain ridges, and the upper Moulouya valley steppes. The area is known for producing thick-piled carpets with varied geometric designs and traditional weaving techniques.
The nine sub-tribes of this tribal group practiced nomadic traditions for centuries, adapting their crafting methods to resources found in their mountain environment. This way of life shaped the development of their characteristic hand-weaving techniques and tools.
The weavers here create carpets with geometric patterns in burgundy red and dark purple that reflect their regional identity. These colors and designs are deeply connected to the mountain landscape where the craftspeople live.
The carpets from this region have a pile height of around 4 centimeters and provide insulation during cold winters while serving as both sleeping mats and floor coverings. Visitors should expect these hand-woven pieces to be sturdy and designed for practical everyday use.
Craftspeople here consider the flat side to be the front of the carpet, with intricate geometric patterns revealed when turned over from the deep pile surface. This reversed design shows a hidden artwork that appears when the piece is flipped over.
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