100% sheep wool

3 feet 7 inches x 1 foot 11 inches 

Take note of the black hand carefully worked into in this unique carpet. It's a sublime reminder of the long hours devoted to hand-tying the thousands of knots required by even this small carpet. Imagine the Berber woman who wove this rug and know that its existence is proof of her own. 

A rare example of a colorful Beni Ourain rug, this vintage high-pile carpet is in great condition. The years have merely softened its wool and added character to its coloration. What was once blood-crimson has faded to a monochrome rainbow of deep pinks and dusty reds. 

Red, in varying hues, is traditionally a dominant color in Moroccan rugs reflecting the deep red of the earth in the central Middle Atlas Mountains.

In other aspects this is a classic specimen from the Beni Ourain tribe. The two-tone design and sparse decoration exemplify their tasteful restraint. The weaver included a few rows of weft between the pile knots to allow for more texture and air to breathe. Since the weft and the warp are both yarn, this carpet is completely made of sheep's wool.

During the heyday of shag carpeting, this minimalist look was a favorite of mid-century modern designers such as Frank Loyd Wright and Le Corbusier and we have also recognized many of these rugs in the home decor photos of current magazines. The colorful variations, however, are far scarcer.

• This object comes from an association in Fez, Morocco that benefits widowed and divorced women and promotes traditional weaving.