M'rirt Artisans Weaving

Ketlouma

Meet the Artisan is an interview series where we dive deeper into the background of the Amazigh artisans who are the backbone of Salam Hello. Our mission is to preserve and share the tradition and symbolism—from our artisans’ hands to your home. Each interview explores their history with the weaving tradition, how and when they were taught and what they like to do beyond the loom.

Keltouma and her daughter Soukina lead a group of 25 artisans from a Village just outside Beni M’rirt, in the Middle Atlas mountains. Founded in the early 2000s, the collective makes medium to high hand-knot rugs, as well as M’rirt Zanafi rugs, a style named after the region. Traditional rugs from this region use a thick knotting technique, which makes the rugs feel extra plush.  
Keltouma sitting on rug


When did you learn how to weave and who taught you?
I grew up in Oued Zem which is nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains just north of the town of Beni Mellal, the capital of the nearby region.

When I was eight years old my Mom and my Aunt taught me how to weave.

The first technique I was taught was the Hanbel style. When I was around fifteen I began to weave Hand-Knot rugs. 

After marrying my husband, Lamari, I moved to his Village of Beni M’rirt. I worked for a handful of the big shops that had workshops in the surrounding area. 

I decided to open up my own Association after my first two older children were born. I was unhappy with the working conditions and wanted to create a safer area for women to work.

Keltouma working


Do you have a favorite technique to weave?
I love all the techniques from my surrounding region, Beni M’rirt, Beni Ourain, Beni M’guild, etc. Traditional rugs from this region use a thick knotting technique, which makes the rugs feel extra plush.

The style that I love to weave the most is the Beni M’rirt as it is the style named after the region I call home.

Ketlouma at loom


What rug do you cherish the most?
My favorite designs are ones that represent the surrounding landscape.

Most recently, my daughter Soukina made a rug that was inspired by the rolling hills and deep ravines of the Middle Atlas Mountains . I love that she is carrying on the tradition of weaving and has joined me as we work on running the workshops that we have in our Village.

Weaving


What do you love to do beyond weaving?
Spending time with my kids and husband is what I cherish the most. I also love to cook. I’m currently making lots of chebakia as we get ready for Ramadan.


Thanks so much for the inspiring convo, Keltouma! Shop pieces woven by Keltouma and her colleagues below!

Translated by Abdellatif Mouhsine. Please note that some answers may have been edited or condensed for the sake of clarity.

Previous Post Next Post

More Stories

  • Meet the Artisan | Saida A.

    "I decided to start my business hosting guests in my home in 2014. I saw an opportunity to showcase my culture to tourists. Initially, I began by hosting guests for tea, and my offerings have since evolved to include cooking classes and hiking excursions.  In 2020, my sister Khadijah and I founded a small association of women weavers in our village. This initiative aims to help our elder neighbors sell their beautiful, handcrafted rugs."
    Read More

  • Meet the Artisan | Zahara S.

    "I was born and raised in Anzal, where my mother and older sister introduced me to weaving at the age of 11. To this day, I find joy in weaving alongside my older sister, and our shared passion has spanned many years. Recently, I passed on the art of weaving to my daughter, who has just finished her education. We now weave together, cherishing the time spent creating rugs as a family tradition that I hope will endure."
    Read More

  • Meet the Artisan | Fatima

    "In 1996, at the age of 16, I was taught the skill of weaving. After persistent requests, my mom finally decided it was time to teach me. As the eldest of four siblings—I later assisted my sister Meriem in learning to weave when she became a teenager. Observing my mom leading the association in our village during my upbringing, I now find pride in running the association alongside my sister, showcasing our collective abilities."
    Read More

  • Meet the Artisan | Rokia

    "My mom not only imparted the skill of weaving but also taught me the intricacies of dyeing wool, preparing it, and setting up the loom. The cherished memories of those moments when we wove together during my childhood remain close to my heart."
    Read More
More Articles

Shop Similar