Le Vieux Village’s Modern Mixed Technique

This mixed Zanafi x Hand-Knot rug was handwoven by Association Le Vieux Village, a beautiful collective of women artisans just outside of Tazenakht.

This association is a true family affair. Mlouka, the matriarch of the collective, has passed the art of weaving down to her daughters, Naima and Fatima, daughters-in-law, Latifa and Meriem, cousins, and villagers. All of the rugs from Le Vieux are made from 100% live wool that was brushed, carded, and spun by the women of the association.

While the border of the rug uses natural, undyed wool, the hand-knotted portion of the rug uses alfalfa, beets, and bark to name a few local plants and spices used to achieve the color. The final color is achieved by baking the sun for over a month.

The abstract middle design of this piece feels modern, thought it represents thousands of years of artistic tradition.
–technical details
Size: 5′-6″ x 9′-1″ (1.68 x 2.78 m)
Rug Style: Zanafi x Hand-Knot
Pile: Flat border with low pile center 
Materials: 100% live sheep’s wool, organic spice blends for dye