One-of-a-kind new rug, flatwoven by the Zanafi in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco

Dimensions: 2’7″ x 7’7″ (80 cm x 231 cm)

Natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted rugs

One-of-a-kind new rug, flatwoven by the Zanafi in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco

Natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted rugs

• Only one in stock
• 100% wool
• Dimensions: 2’7″ x 7’7″ (80 cm x 231 cm)
• Thickness: approximately 0.15″ (3-4 mm)
• Color palette: cream, cadmium red, eggplant, emerald green, tan
• These rugs are prized for their expressive design and construction. Their freeform edges meander and wiggle, unbound by constrictions of mass production

Motifs

• Moroccan rugs dont come with a key. As with any painting or poem, their motifs have many subjective interpretations. Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weavers life
• Architectural elements represent significant structures like tents, minarets, and houses
• A hooked detail, also known as a sickle, represents metal, which had protective magic according to the Amazigh
• A lion’s paw symbolizes strength and protection against ill will

Region of Origin

Zanafi is a term with an obscure origin. It’s used to describe a type of chidoui, which is a type of hanbel, or flatweave. It is also a family name in Taznakht. Zanafi rugs display exquisite technical precision, and were designed as floor coverings for guests. These pieces typically fall into two different color palettes: one with a dominance of saffron yellow, the other with undyed black and white wools and a hint of red.

Material Details

Wool, a staple in Moroccan rug design, was considered almost sacred to the Amazigh (Berber) people, whose nomadic lifestyle included sheep and goat herding. In addition to being available, wool is durable, long-lasting, and softso its super comfy to walk and relax on. In this piece, the wool pile is knotted onto a wool foundation, adding body and helping it hug the floor.

Moroccan wool is locally sourced and produces a thick, strong flatweave that feels soft and fluffy underfoot. You may find traces of dried hay, grass, or straw in your rug as grazing sheep often collect plant matter in their coats. Remove gently by hand or with tweezers. Please note that when wool gets damp, it will smell like a wet sheep. This is the scent of lanolin, which acts as a waxy barrier against dirt and moisture.

• Dust and dirt that accumulate in your rug can erode the fibers over time. The best way to combat this is to take your rug outside and give it a good shake once a week. Depending on how large it is, you may need to recruit a friend to help. Also, be sure to get a rug padthis helps to preserve your rug in spite of dirt.
• If shaking it out isnt possible, you can vacuum it insteadjust be cautious, and dont use a rotary vacuum, because it can damage the fibers. Once or twice a month, vacuum on low power with a non-rotary (no spinning brush) vacuum or suction attachment only, moving gently from side to side. Once or twice a year, flip your rug over and vacuum the back.
• Once a year, let it sunbathe. Hang it in the sun for a few hours when its hottest, and flip it over midway through, to expose both sides to direct sunlight. This sun-bleaching helps further sanitize the wool. Its a natural method to bleach and deodorize it.
• To ensure equal wear and protect against walk patterns, change your rug’s direction periodically. You can also flip your rug upside-down once in awhile, and use it like that for a bit. With Moroccan rugs, the back is typically as nice as the front.
• Every 3-5 years, we recommend getting your rug professionally hand-washed with a Moroccan rug expert. Please do not take it to get steam or dry cleanedthis will almost certainly damage the rug! Hand-washing requires the use of a pH-balanced shampoo, worked into the rug by hand with a soft-bristled brush, before being rinsed thoroughly. This process should be repeated a few times.
• In case of spills: Blot the spill until it is dry, but do not add liquid. Consult an Oriental rug specialist immediately for cleaning. Adding liquid can make it harder to remove stains, and can even extend them further. This is because moisture travels along the fiber, so in rugs with horizontal fibers (like flatweaves), it can get trapped.
• Due to the hand-crafted nature of our rugs, you can expect to see light shedding, matting, and signs of fiber and thread breakage over time. For high traffic areas, these effects may occur more quickly and easily.