Moroccan Berber Runner Rugs
Did you know that the concept of what we call a ‘runner’ rug did not really exist in the tradition of rural Berber weaving? Moroccan weavers did, however, create long and narrow rugs that reflected the huge diversity of weaving and cultural traditions of Berber and Arab tribes. These rugs were often created as long seating mats to be used around and up against the walls of long and rectangular Berber rooms or tents. They were regularly used on top of other hand-woven carpets arranged around the room as soft and cosy seating. Long and narrow rugs were also used to protect more valuable carpets in places where people walked, sat, or slept. Narrow, colourful weavings were also frequently created as mule and horse saddle covers
Weavers may have had a bit more freedom to create lively, fun, and irreverent pieces than when producing a large family heirloom rug. Certainly, Berber runner rugs seem to be embedded with a unique creative spirit
A deeply coloured vintage Berber runner rug from Maroc Tribal brings warmth to a cool and chic hallway
While many of the traditions and skills of rural Berber weaving have now been lost, and most of the most beautiful weavings come from the past, Moroccan communities have adapted their rugs to modern life. Smaller, long rugs are still created in many households yet put to use in very different ways than before
A boucherouite runner rug is used on the drivers seat in a cart, seen on one of our sourcing trips in the Middle Atlas mountains
Because there is such a lovely array of these old runner rugs you can usually find something to fit any home style: they work in any setting — traditional or contemporary. Having said that, it is rare to find one that is very narrow, say less than 50cm or 20 inches wide, as Morocco homes just did not need them to be so slim. You can, however, find runner rugs up to and over 4m or 13ft long, reflecting the long tents or room walls they would have been used against
These old rugs look wonderful as hallway runners, where they can help define the path of that room. They work very well when some space (a couple of inches) is left on all sides of the runner. This also allows the beauty of the design to speak out. But these vintage rugs can be used in many different places in your home, including alongside other larger rugs
A tangerine-hued runner rug sat along a larger orange vintage rug creating tactile depth in this delicious bedroom/ Photo Severnside Press
Because Moroccan runner rugs were originally created to be hard-wearing, suitable for the everyday places and everyday uses they were meant for, they remain ideal for high-traffic areas such as entrance rooms or kitchens. Their vibrant characters and designs can help make the floor in those spaces a standout element
The dramatic Berber motifs and bold texture of this rug Maroc Tribal rug lift a soft and natural entrance room
These enchanting rugs also provide a great foundation for layering up patterns and textures, and differing pile heights can bring contrast and add some detail. They are easy to move around and to use to change up a look without a lot of extra effort
Traditionally, thick pile, pure wool Moroccan Berber rugs were created in the cold mountainous territories like the Middle Atlas mountain range in northern and central Morocco. These were large and heavy family rugs, passed down through generations and looked after as valuable items. Sometimes we also find smaller runner rugs with the same dense, thick wool pile, reflecting the need for cosy and soft furnishing for the cool winter months
Berber runner rugs are in their own distinct way guardians of Moroccan weaving traditions. They are practical items created with utility in mind, yet imbued with beauty and energy by skilled weavers. We are proud to have a wonderful selection of these vintage rugs for sale