Moroccan Boucherouite 1535

This vintage Moroccan Boucherouite shag rug is a lively and joyful work of North African folk art — its multicolor checkered pattern in green, blue, red, orange, and countless other vibrant hues radiating the exuberant creative energy that has made Boucherouite rugs some of the most celebrated and collected folk textiles of the 20th century.

Handwoven entirely from repurposed fabric remnants by Berber women who settled in village communities across Morocco, this rug tells two stories simultaneously: the story of material resourcefulness and the story of artistic freedom — the improvised palette and composition reflecting an aesthetic philosophy in which the next color depends entirely on what fabric is available. Both sides are fully usable: the front presents a soft, warm shag texture; the reverse is flat-woven like a kilim. The Boucherouite tradition — the name derived from the Moroccan Arabic term meaning 'torn fabric' or 'a piece of used cloth' — emerged in Morocco in the mid-20th century as Berber women adapted their weaving skills to incorporate recycled textiles in place of traditional wool. Born of economic necessity, Boucherouite rugs quickly became celebrated as works of spontaneous abstract art — their free compositions, exuberant colors, and tactile richness placing them firmly in the company of the great global folk art traditions.

Dimensions: 4' 7" x 7' 10"

Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1900s

Place of Origin: Morocco

Material: Wool pile on a wool foundation

Condition: Wear consistent with age and use

SKU: 1535