Made By
Artisans of Kalaat M’Gouna
Located in the southeast of Morocco, Kalaat M’Gouna is most known for its Valley of the Roses, celebrated every May by a popular Rose Festival. Mina, the matriarch of this Association, grew up closer to Tazenakht and moved to Kalaat M’Gouna after marrying her husband. She began teaching the weaving craft to friends and neighbors decades ago. In 1995, she formed a small Association made up of Villagers and extended family. Today, there are still 10 members and they make low hand-knot, boucherouite, and kharita rugs.
Rug Style
Low Hand-Knot
The Low Hand-Knot style of rug most often comes from the southeastern Tribes in and around the Siroua region. The pile of these rugs is much shorter than the Hand-Knot rugs from the north. Despite the shorter pile, these pieces are still quite plush and cozy.
One significant difference in technique with this rug is the artisans usually pre-cut the wool prior to weaving on the loom, while the women in the north cut the wool after looping it around the loom.