Brien

Description

One-of-a-kind new rug, handwoven and handknotted by skilled artisans using techniques originated by the Zanafi in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.

Dimensions: 4’6″ x 8’3″ (138 cm x 253 cm)

Brien was woven using traditional techniques. Natural inconsistencies and slight variations in size are inherent in these unique, handwoven rugs.

One-of-a-kind new rug, handwoven and handknotted by skilled artisans using techniques originated by the Zanafi in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.

Brien was woven using traditional techniques. Natural inconsistencies and slight variations in size are inherent in these unique, handwoven rugs.

• Only one in stock
• 100% wool on cotton warp
• Dimensions: 4’6″ x 8’3″ (138 cm x 253 cm)
• Medium pile: approximately 0.4″1cm)
• Fringe: measures 2.4″ (6 cm)
• Color palette: bone beige, inky black, spiced pumpkin orange, rich amethyst, eggplant, cornflower blue
• These rugs are prized for their expressive design and construction. Their freeform edges meander and wiggle, unbound by constrictions of mass production.

Motifs

• Moroccan rugs dont come with a key. As with any painting or poem, their motifs have many subjective interpretations. Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weavers life.
• Abrash adds visual depth and texture in its variation in color and tone
• Stripesa simple and timeless classic
• Just like a modern-day barber’s pole, this pattern features alternating slanted stripes
• A decorative fringe has been hand-tied not just at the top and bottom of the rug, but around all four sides
• The edges of this rug have been hand-finished with a weft-wrapped double selvedge. This natural border, visible on both front and back, is thoughtfully added to reinforce the edge of the rug where it can start to unravel over time, transforming the weakest part into the strongest.

Origin

Zanafi is a term with an obscure origin. It’s used to describe a type of chidoui, which is a type of hanbel, or flatweave. It is also a family name in Taznakht. Zanafi rugs display exquisite technical precision, and were designed as floor coverings for guests. These pieces typically fall into two different color palettes: one with a dominance of saffron yellow, the other with undyed black and white wools and a hint of red.

Material Details

Wool, a staple in Moroccan rug design, is considered almost sacred to the Amazigh (Berber) people, whose nomadic lifestyle included sheep and goat herding. In addition to being available, wool is durable, long-lasting, and softso its super comfy to walk and relax on. In this piece, textured wool wefts are flatwoven onto sturdy cotton warps.

Moroccan wool is locally sourced and produces a thick, strong pile that feels soft and fluffy underfoot. A small amount of shedding is to be expected from this natural fiber, but its worth it: its high pile is beloved for its wild, tousled texture.

• Dust and dirt that accumulate in your rug can erode the fibers over time. The best way to combat this is to take your rug outside and give it a good shake once a week. Depending on how large it is, you may need to recruit a friend to help. Also, be sure to get a rug padthis helps to preserve your rug in spite of dirt.
• If shaking it out isnt possible, you can vacuum it insteadjust be cautious, and dont use a rotary vacuum, because it can damage the fibers. Once or twice a month, use the suction attachment gently, from side to side. Once or twice a year, flip your rug over and vacuum the back.
• Once a year, let it sunbathe. Hang it in the sun for a few hours when its hottest, and flip it over midway through, to expose both sides to direct sunlight. This sun-bleaching helps further sanitize the wool. Its a natural method to bleach and deodorize it.
• To ensure equal wear and protect against walk patterns, change your rug’s direction periodically. You can also flip your rug upside-down once in awhile, and use it like that for a bit. With Moroccan rugs, the back is typically as nice as the front.
• Every 3-5 years, we recommend getting your rug professionally hand-washed with a Moroccan rug expert. Please do not take it to get steam or dry cleanedthis will almost certainly damage the rug! Hand-washing requires the use of a pH-balanced shampoo, worked into the rug by hand with a soft-bristled brush, before being rinsed thoroughly. This process should be repeated a few times.
• In case of spills:
  • If the spill is organic and non-oily (e.g., wine), use a paper towel or cloth to blot the liquid. Add some clean water sparingly to the spot to dilute the stain (or wet a paper towel or cloth) and blot. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.
  • If the stain is persistent, resist the urge to scrub. Scrubbing can damage the wool fibers and more easily allow the stain to penetrate. You may try using a mild detergent, such as very diluted dishwashing soap, following the same blot-and-rinse procedure.
  • If the spill is a denser, more oily liquid, try first to scoop what you can from the surface using a spoon or perhaps some heavier paper, and then do the blot-and-rinse. If the spill is significant, non-organic and/or composed of chemical substances, or the above methods dont work, we suggest getting the rug professionally hand-washed as soon as possible.
  • For rugs with deeply saturated color palettes, be sure to spot-clean them in an area that can be hosed down immediately after, as some color bleeding may occur.