How Moroccan Women Are Reviving Traditional Rug Weaving
In the Moroccan town of Taznakht, women are preserving centuries-old rug-weaving traditions through all-female cooperatives like Aguiness. These artisans craft the iconic Ouaouzguit rug entirely by hand—from shearing local sheep to dyeing wool with natural ingredients like saffron and indigo. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, each rug is rich in symbolism, with geometric patterns representing themes like fertility, family, and nature. Traditionally part of a bride’s dowry, the rugs now offer both cultural expression and economic opportunity. At the heart of this movement is the Women’s Center for the Promotion of the Taznakht Carpet, a collective of 3,500 weavers across 35 cooperatives producing up to 300 rugs a month—blending heritage, artistry, and empowerment in every thread.
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