The modern interior design world has been swept off its feet by the Beni Ourain rug, with a rekindled interest in the rug's long and rich history. Beni Ourain rugs may be in high demand now, but this stunning rug has been admired and utilized for centuries.

The origins of the Beni Ourain rug can be traced as far back as the Paleolithic-era Berber tribes of Morocco's Atlas Mountains. Traditionally nomadic shepherds and goat herders, the tribes produced rugs which were similar in style and structure to the Beni Ourains we know today. Woven with the wool of the sheep they cared for, the rugs notably contained all natural dyes, or none at all.

Traditionally the Beni Ourain rugs were hand-woven by the women of the tribes, with the generational art passed down from mother to daughter. Each rug's unique design elements reflect the weaver's life and memorable events, from marriages to births and special celebrations. Reoccurring themes also include the cycles of nature, fertility, and ancestral motifs. Additionally, many of the Berber weavers believe the rugs to provide magical protection against harmful spirits and misfortune, with ceremonial symbols of good luck purposely woven throughout.

The most recognizable Beni Ourain rug design features abstract shapes against a pale background, often accompanied by brown or black lines. The ancient Berber alphabet can also be incorporated, and most rugs do not contain borders, with minimal to no fringe. The rugs are woven from only the best wool of the region, and are made to last for many years.

Interestingly enough, Beni Ourains were often intended to be used as blankets or bedspreads, and not the decorative rugs popularized today. Their soft structure made them ideal for wrapping around the body to stay warm in the chilly mountain climate, with piling woven to varying degrees of thickness according to individual use.

An authentically woven Beni Ourain rug follows no predetermined pattern or layout, and thus no two are alike. Traditionally the rugs reached a length of no more than 7 feet, allowing them to be easily worn or transported during nomadic migrations.

The Moroccan Beni Ourain rug enjoyed a Western appreciation by the mid 20th century, with eclectic designers incorporating the rugs into modern decor. The rug was appreciated by the aesthetically elite for its primitive elegance, as well as its impressive durability. For many the Beni Ourain rugs still carry a positive and protective energy; whether they're covering the floors, draped over a sofa, or hung from a wall, these works of art contain an undeniable beauty that transforms any interior. A high quality Beni Ourain rug is truly built to last a lifetime, and pass from one generation to the next just as the Berber tribes intended.