The Sustainable Craft of Moroccan Rugs

Each Moroccan rug is a living reflection of its origin—woven from local wool, dyed with native plants, and shaped by the environment and traditions of the Amazigh tribe that created it.


In a world increasingly shaped by overproduction, these regionally specific techniques offer a slower, more intentional form of making—one where every rug honors the land, climate, and lifestyle it came from.

At Salam Hello, we ensure that every rug is woven in its region of origin. Rather than consolidating production, we go to where the artisans are. For us, that’s what makes the craft more enduring, more respectful—and more sustainable.

Below, we explore the distinctive Moroccan weaving styles and the tribes and landscapes that shaped them.

Beni Tribes – Mid to High Atlas Mountains

“Beni” means “sons of” in Darija

In the Mid to High Atlas Mountains, the Beni tribes—including Beni Ourain, Beni M’Guild, and Beni M’rirt—have developed some of Morocco’s most iconic rug styles. These thick, high-pile rugs are woven from 100% natural wool, designed to insulate homes against the region’s harsh winters.


Each tribe’s weaving technique is distinct, yet all prioritize warmth, durability, and longevity:

Beni Ourain: Characterized by creamy, undyed wool and minimalist diamond motifs, these rugs are timeless and versatile.

Beni M’Guild: Known for bold, saturated colors—deep purples, blues, and reds—achieved through traditional plant-based dyes.

Beni M’rirt: Woven with dense knots for a plush, luxurious feel, often combining traditional patterns with a modern touch.

Though their knot structures and motifs vary, all Beni rugs are rooted in the same purpose: to provide comfort, functionality, and a connection to the mountainous environment. Today, their enduring quality and aesthetic appeal make them equally at home in both rustic and contemporary interiors.

Azilal – Foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Originating from the Azilal province, these rugs combine hand-knotting and flatweave techniques to create vibrant, abstract compositions. Azilal rugs often layer soft wool bases with recycled yarns, resulting in colorful, spontaneous motifs that feel modern yet remain grounded in Amazigh tradition.

Typically lighter than Beni rugs, they’re well-suited to the moderate climates of the Central Atlas—and to contemporary interiors seeking bold expression with cultural depth.

Boujad – Chaouia-Ouardigha Region

Located in central Morocco, Boujad is renowned for its expressive and symbolic high-pile, hand-knotted rugs.

Artisans from the Boujad region are masters of color and composition, skillfully blending bold hues with abstract patterns to create one-of-a-kind works that feel both personal and powerful.

Boucherouite – Rural Tribes Across Morocco

Boucherouite rugs were never meant for sale. Originally woven for use inside the home, they are crafted from upcycled materials—old clothing, yarn remnants, and fabric scraps—by Amazigh women in rural villages.


Today, they represent one of Morocco’s most sustainable textile traditions. Their bold colors and freestyle designs make each Boucherouite rug a one-of-a-kind, zero-waste work of art.

Zanafi – Aït Ouagharda Tribe, Southern High Atlas

Originating from the Ouarzazate region in southern Morocco, Zanafi rugs are defined by their tight flatwoven bases, striped patterns, and earth-toned palettes. These rugs reflect the semi-nomadic lifestyle and the rugged, desert-meets-mountain terrain of the area.


Woven by hand using a meticulous system of counting, this technique demands exceptional skill and focus. Each row is carefully constructed, and the result is a reversible rug—with inverted colors on each side, offering two distinct looks in one piece.

Zanafi rugs are also known for their distinctive side tassels, though they can be woven without them upon request. Understated yet highly detailed, they’re a testament to the precision and artistry of Amazigh weaving traditions.

Low Hand-Knot, Kharita, and Hanbel – Aït Ouaouzguite Tribe, Siroua Region

In the Siroua region, where the High Atlas meets the Anti-Atlas Mountains, the Aït Ouaouzguite tribe has cultivated a diverse range of rug styles that embody both refined craftsmanship and functional design. These include Low Hand-Knot, Kharita, Hanbel, and the intricately layered Glaoui rugs—each distinguished by its construction yet unified by shared origins and purpose.

Glaoui rugs are especially notable for their combination of flatweave, low-pile hand-knotting, and hand-embroidery, resulting in a richly textured surface with incredible dimension. Woven from locally sourced wool and dyed with natural pigments like saffron, henna, and indigo, these rugs often feature Amazigh symbols—visual stories of protection, fertility, and lineage passed through generations.



What links all these techniques is their inherent portability. Designed for the semi-nomadic lifestyle of the region, these rugs are intentionally lighter in weight and easily rolled, folded, or transported. Their construction reflects a deep understanding of the land and a way of life that values both beauty and movement—timeless traditions carried from one place to the next.

Bring a Piece of Morocco Into Your Home

At Salam Hello, we work directly with artisan collectives across Morocco to ensure each rug is created using traditional techniques in its region of origin. Our collection is a celebration of craft, culture, and community.

Explore our handcrafted Moroccan rugs—each one a story woven by hand.