The weaving community
Saadia and Aicha are not only weaving partners, but close friends too. Both in their early thirties and united by similar life circumstances, they embarked on their weaving journeys simultaneously within the village’s women-led weaving collective. From the outset, they were drawn in by the community, quickly becoming active members who dedicated themselves to learning from the seasoned artisans around them. This weaving collective is more than just a place of work for them; it organizes the sale of their rugs, provides them with regular orders, and has brought them the chance of financial independence along with a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. This newfound sense of independence also empowers them to stand up for their voices and the issues that matter to them.
The interview itself serves as a good example of this. Prior to the interviews, we explained the weavers the goal of our portrait series: to connect our customers with our artisans, allowing our rug loving community to get to know the impressive personalities behind our rugs. This idea stemmed from the long-standing acquaintance, mutual respect, and friendship we have built over the years, so our good intentions were unquestioned. That said, first many locals were hesitant, but as the days passed, more and more women decided to participate. Saadia too was initially unsure because of her husband’s concerns. Eventually, with the support and encouragement of the community, she came forward to share her experiences. Rug making gives her so much that she decided she wanted to contribute to the success of our project despite her husband's disagreement.
Aicha and Saadia setting up the loom, Photo: Matti Varga
One knot at a time, Photo by Matti Varga
The beginning of their journey
Saadia and Aicha both began their weaving journeys 11 years ago. At just 18, Saadia was anticipating the arrival of her first child, while Aicha stood on the brink of marriage. They found themselves captivated by weaving not through familial tradition but through conscious effort and collective learning.
“We learned the basics of hand-knotting in the cooperative and then practiced at home under our mothers’ watchful eyes,” Saadia recalls. Today, they credit the weaving collective for their growth, expressing deep gratitude to the other village weavers who have supported their learning path.
With the skills they’ve honed, both women now navigate their new roles as wives and mothers while continuing to contribute significantly to the weaving cooperative. They produce their own rugs and accept commissioned pieces, blending artistry with entrepreneurship and market demand.
Crafting rugs for the home
Their first rugs were woven for their own homes, and parting with those cherished creations proved difficult. “Even before I got married, I dreamed of decorating my future home with my own rugs,” Saadia shares with a smile. “When I got married, I created my first rug for my new house, and I still have it. I don’t want to sell it.”
Aicha nods in agreement, recalling her own journey. She crafted her first rug before her wedding and brought it to her new home, where she subsequently created two more. She hasn't forgotten her family's old home either. Here, her rug holds sentimental value, especially for her father, who relished having a piece from his little daughter.
The rug design
When discussing their designs, Saadia and Aicha reveal how their surroundings significantly influence their creativity. "Our region is known for its cream-colored rugs with a black diamond pattern, similar to Beni Ourains, but we no longer stick strictly to those traditions.” Saadia explains. ”We weave according to our own ideas: what our imagination inspires, we weave into our carpets," Sometimes these are abstract shapes, but most often the weavers draw from the beauty around them: the nature, the heights of the Atlas Mountains, the animals, and the vibrant community celebrations and weddings, where dancing and singing abound. Everything that unfolds in the village inspires their weaving.
Aicha adds her unique touch to the design process by sketching her ideas on paper before bringing them to life, a method she finds simplifies the design process. "For me, too, imagination guides the design of the rugs, but sketching on paper helped me think compositionally” she adds.
In addition to imagination, the weavers also channel their emotions into their rugs. Saadia and Aicha reveal that the hues they select often mirror their moods. If a weaver feels joyful and content, she chooses a lighter, brighter color palette. Conversely, if she is in pain or feeling dissatisfied, she may gravitate toward deeper, more somber tones. They personally prefer vibrant colors and, whenever possible, they weave every color of the rainbow into their creations, infusing each rug with life and energy.
Portrait of Saadia and Aicha, Photo: Matti Varga
From dye to weave
The weaving process begins long before knots are ever placed around the warps of the loom; it starts with wool preparation and dyeing. Both women eagerly participate in these essential steps, working alongside artisans who specialize in dyeing with natural, botanical materials. Within the weaving team, there are designated individuals responsible for wool dyeing, who have accumulated a wealth of expertise over the years. Walnut bark, saffron blossom, and pomegranate skin are just a few of the ingredients they use to create a spectrum of vibrant hues, and they often find themselves experiment with various dye plants found in the village.
“We also help each other set up the loom before weaving. It requires at least four of us, and it’s truly a communal effort,” Aicha explains, emphasizing the cooperative spirit that pervades their craft.
Setting up the loom is a communal effort, Photo: Matti Varga
Rhythm of the everyday
For Saadia and Aicha, family life dictates the rhythm of the everyday. They rise early, around 6 a.m., to prepare breakfast for their families. Saadia drops her children off at school, while Aicha attends to her husband. Once the house is quiet, they dedicate a few hours to their current rug project. After 11 am, they tackle household chores before returning to weaving in the early afternoon. If they still have energy in the evening, they often find themselves back at the loom after dinner. On average, they might weave four hours in the morning and four in the afternoon.
Aicha proudly holding her rug, Photo: Matti Varga
Income from weaving
Saadia highlights the freedom their work provides: “Our income from weaving allows us to cover our expenses without having to rely on our husbands for money. We also support our children's needs and can set aside savings for the future. We are constantly repairing and renovating our homes and making small improvements. I’s a very empowering feeling to have your own income.”
As their weaving skills flourish, so does their income. They recognize and appreciate the stability the cooperative provides, avoiding exploitive pricing from opportunistic middlemen. “Thanks to the cooperative, we are not only contributing to our families but also spend on our own needs like wool for weaving and any necessary household items. We love helping our husbands, so we don’t rely solely on their income.” Aicha affirms.
Both women emphasize their gratitude for the weaving community. “If it weren’t for this weaving community we’d be in a very different situation,” they state. “Having a steady income transforms everything for women like us, granting us independence and reducing vulnerability. It’s a remarkable improvement in all our lives.”