Of all the rugs available out there, Beni Ourian rugs are considered the most comfortable ones you’ll ever witness. You’d be surprised to know that they are made up of 100% sheep wool and are 100% undyed. These heirloom rugs are made for those who appreciate the natural world. They are best suited for people who are seeking something warm and luxurious.
Those who are new and have no idea about these rugs would be happy to know that Beni Ourain rugs share a signature style with geometric designs. The bottom line is that they offer a classic design suited for any room, be it big or small. So, if you are looking for something that is plush for your feet or could keep you warm at night, these rugs are ones you should get.
The History of Beni Ourain Rugs
These rugs are still being made today in the Atlas Mountains. The Berber shepherds tend flocks of ancient–breed Marmoucha sheep, choosing only the silkiest wool over several seasons until enough is collected for the perfect rug. The traditional brown/black and ivory combination comes from the natural colors of the undyed sheep’s wool. There are seventeen different Berber tribes and some use natural dyes in their rug designs, so it’s not unusual to see brightly colored Moroccan rugs as well.
Now you must be wondering what about those geometric designs? Well, these designs come from centuries-old traditions, but they also incorporate symbols that are pretty personal to weavers. They may refer to local events, aspects of daily life, nature, fertility, and religion. You must know that these heirloom weavings can take months or even years to produce, and no two are alike. The weaving work is mostly done by women working in pairs.
Useful Tips to Buy Beni Ourain Rugs
- Market place or mountains
For starters, you must overlook the fact that you can only buy Beni Ourains from the Atlas Mountains. Otherwise, you’d be ripped off, paying too much for something that doesn’t worth much. You’d be surprised to know that the souks in Marrakech are full of carpet and rug sellers, with many of them having towers of Beni Ourain rugs. The bottom line is you can buy these rugs from either the mountains or the medina and have no regrets whatsoever.
- Real or fake
The market is filled with Beni Ourains that were made many years and years ago – these are beautiful but pricey at the same time, which is justified. But you can get newer rugs made by the Berber women today living in Morocco’s North-Easter Middle Atlas Mountains. Now you must know that it doesn’t mean they are fake – they are just not vintage. A newer rug can be extremely good value and of excellent quality.
- Price it right
In Morocco, there is never the right price for anything. You pay what you are happy to pay. All you have to do is go in while keeping a rough figure in mind and don’t ask for the price until you are absolutely sure you want to buy it. It is likely that you will first be offered a highly inflated price. Don’t get offended by that; consider cutting it down to its half or maybe even quarter and start your negotiations until you read the amount you’d be happy to pay.
Final Thoughts
That’s all there is for you to know about Beni Ourain rugs. By simply keeping the aforementioned points, you’ll be able to get your hands on the finest rugs out there. However, when it comes to buying authentic rugs online, you can only rely on a handful of places, and JS Rugs is amongst them. We’ve got a vast collection of rugs to choose from, which is perhaps why people don’t leave empty-handed from here.
