“Raawiyah” is an Arabic feminine first name. It derives from “Rawā” which means to narrate, to count, to irrigate, to quench thirst. Rawiya is the one who waters, gives water, relates stories or tells stories.
Let us tell you the story of the Berber women carpet weavers of Morocco…
Where do these famous Béni Ouarain rugs come from?
In the cooperative with which we work, led by Mahjouba, the women have come together to pool their efforts and preserve their know-how.
The beginnings of the cooperative were difficult, marked by financial constraints, but their perseverance was rewarded.
Thanks to their participation in artistic exhibitions, they attracted the attention of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and Crafts.
The ministry provided a workshop, raw materials, and crucial support, giving new impetus to their business.
How are they made?
Beni Ouarain carpets, symbols of Moroccan cultural heritage, are the result of an ancestral process.
It begins with the collection of sheep's wool by the men of the village.
Then, the women take over with washing the wool in pure mountain water, this ritual is accompanied by traditional songs.
After washing, the wool is beaten and dried, then used to weave rugs.
The finishing of a carpet is a major event, celebrated in ceremonies with as much pomp as a birth, which underlines its cultural importance.
Each 1 square meter rug requires about a week of hard work.
It is a reflection of their identity, their history, and their rich cultural heritage.
These rugs are not only objects of art, they also play an essential role in daily life by serving as insulation against the cold, mattresses on which it is very good to sleep, and according to local belief, they contribute to the strengthening of the immune system.
