Berber rugs take their name from the traditional hand-woven rugs of the Berber people of North Africa. Berbers are an ethnic group in the North African region. This type of rug has ancient origins and this can be seen very well in the making of a traditional hand-woven rug. Due to their early origin, authentic Berber carpets are still considered priceless possessions and, like oriental carpets, are very popular with auctioneers and collectors. Despite advances in technology, the traditional hand-woven rugs can still be found on the market today. In fact, many people of the tribe still consider weaving to be their main source of income. The best thing about these hand-woven rugs is that each one of them is unique.
Let’s take a deeper look into the details of Berber rugs.
construction
The unique thing about the Berber rug, which immediately catches the eye both visually and haptically, is the construction of the rug itself. In contrast to the oriental rugs, which have a knot construction, this rug has a loop pile construction in which the yarns are woven in such a way that they Form loops up to a certain height on the carpet. This gives the carpet itself a very comfortable feel. The loops vary in thickness, colors and sometimes even materials to give the rug a unique feel. Through this variation, they form a different pattern on the carpets, which differs significantly from the other carpets.
material
Traditional Berber rugs are woven from wool for a soft, plush feel. This is the most popular fabric for this type of rug. The loop construction works well with the wool and gives a pillow-like feel. Modern carpets are woven from synthetic fibers that typically include nylon, polypropylene, and so on. They are woven from yarns of single or multiple fibres, which enhances the appearance of the rug itself. The synthetic fibers are best suited for high traffic areas as they are dirt and stain resistant and the cleaning process is much easier compared to natural fibers. The polyester fiber in particular has great dyeing properties, which makes the carpet look quite light.
loop size
Berber rugs are unique due to their loop pile construction, which is why loop size is critical. The rugs are available in large loop pile or smaller loop pile construction. Both have the same look and feel, the only difference here is the durability of the loops that get matted. The larger loops here are known to tangle faster than the small loops, making them a good choice in terms of durability.
