20th Century Berber Yellow, Orange & Blue Rug, 1950s

This Berber carpet from the Ouarzadeh region has the characteristic saffron-colored wool structure. The large blue medallion is not common in this typology, more often decorated with repetitive elements. The combination of warm and bright colors is very refined, in harmony with the landscape. Berber carpets have a primitive dimension. They have their own identity due to the weaving practiced by transhumant or sedentary tribes, near cities or hidden in the mountains where these traditional carpets are still knotted using ancient techniques. Geometric designs are a coded language, that of Berber women. Each carpet is a unique book, which carries a message to be decoded. The reasons are passed down through the generations. Artistic creations of the Berber woman, the carpet reflects first of all the phases of her life. By interpreting the signs woven into the carpet, one can learn that the woman who worked it is a virgin, young bride or mature woman. Other times the signs reveal pregnancy or weaning a baby. The abstract language of the Berber carpet therefore takes its roots from the bodies. These simple geometric motifs that intrigue fans are a secret code that is whispered, which is transmitted in a whisper, from woman to woman, from mother to daughter. Kneeling in front of their loom, for long hours, day After day, the women tell their story, weaving the web of their destiny at the same instant. The carpet becomes a manuscript, an open book and a diary of a lifetime. Once archived, it moves towards an unknown destiny and becomes a home carpet, blanket, tapestry … keeping its mystery to the world. Measures: 240 x 145 cm.