BERBER 'OLOGY' – The Art of Berber Craftsmanship

Berber: A Mosaic of Centuries-Old Crafts and Traditions

Morocco is a land of diverse crafts and traditions influenced by centuries of multiculturalism, but the oldest and most authentic is that of the indigenous Berber people. The Berbers (or Imazighhen, which means “free people”), like the crafts they produce, have a fascinating story to tell.

The majority of our collection is created by Berber artisans, so we want to share some of the cultural meanings often found in their pieces. This allows us to offer insight into a lesser-known community and delve deeper into the meaning behind their creations.

The Love for Artisan Techniques Berber

Berber ideology is distinguished by its craftsmanship, deeply rooted in its culture. Authentic Berber crafts are not mass-produced, but rather created as unique pieces, usually for a specific purpose. An example of this is the Handira, a woven wedding blanket to offer blessings, good luck, and protection to the newlyweds. A true labor of love!

As "free people," Berber communities are virtually self-sufficient. They live in small villages in and around the Atlas Mountains. Men typically work in agriculture or in community craft workshops (usually pottery or basketry), while women create carpets and other textiles. These crafts are taken to weekly markets in larger towns, where they are auctioned off to merchants who then sell them in souks throughout Morocco. This provides an income for the villages, which is often their primary livelihood.

Behind the Symbolism Berber

Berber crafts are full of symbols of Baraka, a divine blessing or religious power. The representation of these symbols is believed to ward off bad luck, heal, and attract good fortune.

For centuries, art, symbolism, patterns and colors have been used to express the rituals and beliefs of the BarakaFor Berber artisans, crafts are a form of artistic expression through which they tell stories and share their culture through home decorations.

Many of the Berber rugs and cushions you'll find on our site feature distinctive patterns and symbols that refer to the creation of a family, fertility, love, and supernatural powers. The most common symbols include:

• Barley: A rectangle filled with a pattern of light and dark checkered patterns. It's common on carpets and symbolizes the blessing of fertility.
• The Eye: Drawn in a pattern of concentric diamonds, it symbolizes protection against the "evil eye" and warding off evil spirits.
• The Frog: With an ornate diamond design, it symbolizes fertility and magical rites. This is also the symbol of our logo!
• The Spider: A diamond shape with openings at the edges, it represents the sun, patience, work life, and harmony.

Colors also reinforce symbolic designs and are chosen for their significance in the narrative. For example, white symbolizes peace and purity, while red indicates strength and protection.

Celebrating an Ancient Culture

For centuries, authentic Berber designs and decorations were found only in Moroccan homes, mosques, and public buildings. Today, their culture is celebrated around the world.

We are proud to showcase our heritage and the beautiful handicrafts that our beloved land, Morocco, offers. We are committed to preserving an ancient and unique art form, and in doing so, we help provide income to Berber villages to sustain their growth and development. Discover how we support sustainability and business practices with our Moroccan artisans. here.