Shafa's Vintage Marmoucha Hanbel

A small independent Association of artisans who reside in Marmoucha, a Village located north of Morocco and sits just south of Fez, has a total of 10 weavers. Marmoucha sits in the region where the infamous Beni Ourain Tribe once lived. Hence, the traditional Medium to High Hand-Knot rug.

Our Vintage pieces were usually made by grandmas or great aunts and then passed down through generations. Even when a family runs out of room or decides to sell an old rug, they’re bound to bring beauty to their next home.

Most vintage rugs you will find in local Moroccan markets are purchased by male brokers, who visit neighboring villages and buy up all the pieces they can in one transaction.

Our process is different, as we work directly with the women selling these heirloom rug pieces. We visit their homes and neighborhoods to see the pieces in-person and negotiate face-to-face.

One telltale way to spot vintage rugs is by their odd shapes, as they may have been made to fit into old buildings, or specific spaces generations ago.