A Culture Not To Be Forgotten

The Berber people also known as the Amazigh people are indigenous to North Africa occupying an area that spans several countries.  The majority of the Amazigh people living in Morocco live in the Atlas Mountains. The name Amazigh, in their own language means “Free People”, because they were never fully conquered by the Spanish or the Muslim invaders. The Amazigh are known for weaving, pottery, jewellery and leatherwork all largely created by women.

The rural and nomadic life of the Amazigh people meant that the rugs, bags and wall hangings were the only luxury that they could carry. The Amazigh women would collect plants and flowers that they would use to dye the wool from their sheep to weave into rugs and wall hangings.  The techniques, skills and creativity used have been passed down from mother to daughter over generations re-creating motifs that date back to the 14th century.  The Amazigh women made their homes a sanctuary by weaving and decorating with simple, poetic, geometrical symbols that represented their identity expressing through art their innermost thoughts and emotions.  Their crafts are rich in cultural symbolism with each piece telling its own story using symbols, geometric shapes and colours that represent protection, happiness, sadness, fertility, family, strength, life, nature and nurture. 

These symbols were used historically when the Amazigh women tattooed their faces, feet, arms and other body parts, from a very young age, for beauty, health and protection.  Apart from beautification the tattoos told the stories of the different tribes, and the different stages of a woman’s life.  Amazigh women with tattoos today were born in a time when tattoos were highly encouraged, celebrated and an integral part of their lives, now under the influence of Islam tattooing is considered a sin or “Haram” and since the 1930s the art of facial and body tattooing has faded out.  Nevertheless the symbolism used in the tattoos continues today within the beautiful artwork that the Amazigh women produce. 

Over the last few decades urbanization, the increase of the Arabic influence and climate change have profoundly impacted on Berber lives but the Amazigh (Berber) women continue to preserve the Amazigh culture by creating beautiful rugs as their livelihood.  These unique pieces of art with their own unique story and cultural symbolism can be loved and celebrated in your own home by laying on the floor or using as a wall hanging bringing comfort and creating a sanctuary in your space as they have for the Berber families over the centuries.