Moroccan Rugs Buying Guide: Beni Ourain, Boucherouite, Kilim and Fair Prices
The main Moroccan rug styles are Beni Ourain (thick cream wool with dark geometric lines), Azilal (cream with colourful motifs), Boucherouite (recycled textile rag rugs), kilims or hanbels (flat-woven), and Taznakht/Glaoui rugs from the south. Judge quality by wool, knot density, natural dyes and finishing; agree the price in dirhams, take your time, and get written confirmation if you ship.
Main styles
| Style | Region | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Beni Ourain | Middle Atlas | Thick, soft natural wool, cream with dark diamonds |
| Azilal | Central High Atlas | Cream base with bold colourful symbols |
| Boucherouite | Various | Rag rugs from recycled fabric, playful colours |
| Kilim / hanbel | Various | Flat-woven, lighter, often geometric |
| Taznakht / Glaoui | Anti-Atlas, south | Saffron, red and orange; mixed techniques |
How to judge quality
- Wool: rub it; good wool is soft and does not shed heavily.
- Knots: look at the back: denser, regular knots mean more work and durability.
- Dyes: natural dyes have subtle variations; very uniform bright colours are often synthetic (not necessarily bad, just cheaper).
- Edges and fringes: should be neatly finished.
- Vintage vs new: vintage rugs have character but check for repairs and odours.
Prices and bargaining
Prices depend on size, age, wool and work. Ask the price per square metre and compare several shops. Expect long tea-fuelled sales pitches; you are never obliged to buy. Offer well below the first price and negotiate calmly. Read our souk bargaining guide.
Shipping home
- Small rugs can be folded into luggage.
- If the shop ships, get a written receipt with description, size, price and shipping terms, and photograph the rug with a label.
- Check your home country's import duties.
Where to buy
The Marrakech souks (Criée Berbère) and Fes medina have many dealers; cooperatives in the Atlas and the south let you buy directly from weavers. On our Imlil day trip and the road through the Tizi n'Tichka to Ait Benhaddou, you can meet weavers' cooperatives. Learn about the symbols in Amazigh culture. For a scholarly overview, see the Wikipedia article on Moroccan rugs.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Imlil & Three Valleys Atlas Day Trip with Berber Lunch — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Best Museums in Marrakech: Art, Crafts, Photography and Fashion
- Amazigh (Berber) Culture in Morocco: Language, Traditions and Where to Experience It
- Chouara Tannery Fes: How to Visit Morocco's Famous Leather Dye Pits
Frequently asked questions
What is a Beni Ourain rug?
A thick, soft wool rug from the Middle Atlas, usually cream with dark geometric lines, traditionally made by Beni Ourain tribes.
How much does a Moroccan rug cost?
Prices vary widely by size, age and quality, from small rag rugs for modest sums to large vintage wool rugs costing much more. Compare shops and negotiate.
Is it safe to ship a rug from Morocco?
Usually yes with established shops, but get a detailed written receipt and photos, and understand the shipping terms and import duties.
Where is the best place to buy rugs in Marrakech?
The souks around the Criée Berbère have many rug dealers; cooperatives in the Atlas let you buy directly from weavers.
Main photo: Khadija31, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comments (0)