One-of-a-kind vintage rug, flatwoven near the small city of Boujad in the Chaouia-Ouardigha region of Morocco

Dimensions: 4’11” x 11’7″ (150 cm x 354 cm)

Melpo has been professionally cleaned; age-related wear and natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted vintage rugs

One-of-a-kind vintage rug, flatwoven near the small city of Boujad in the Chaouia-Ouardigha region of Morocco

Melpo has been professionally cleaned; age-related wear and natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted vintage rugs

• Only one in stock
• 100% wool
• Dimensions: 4’11” x 11’7″ (150 cm x 354 cm)
• One-sided fringe: measures 3.5″ (9 cm)
• Thickness: approximately 0.15” (3-4 mm)
• Color palette: tangerine orange, magenta, chartreuse, bubblegum pink, cream, puce brown
• 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 Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weavers life
• Depending on who you ask, the X symbol stands for the body (wih arms or legs spread out), or scissors, which represent the protective, magical qualities of metal
• An absolute classic, diamond-based designs create a beautiful and dynamic field of geometric shapes
• Stripesa simple and timeless classic

Region of Origin

Boujad was considered a holy town. Boujad rugs were made by a variety of tribes, and thus vary widely in color, composition, and weave. Often described with words like surreal, mystic, and mesmerizing, these rugs depict a world beyond reality. Construction-wise, they have twice as many horizontal as vertical knots, which makes them floppy and easy to move.

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 underfoot. Having stood the test of time, this hand-processed wool has reacted to its various environments, acquiring an untamed, nubby look and feel.

• 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, use the suction attachment 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.