AphroChic Magazine: Issue No. 11

Culture
In the 20th century, a variety of economic
factors led to reduction in nomadism among some
Amazigh tribes and the transition to agriculture
from traditional herding practices. As a result, the
growing scarcity of traditional materials made it
harder and harder for Amazigh women to weave
their usual rugs in their usual ways. Boucherouites
emerged in the 1960s and '70s as a response to these
unavoidable realities before growing into a new form
of artistic expression.
Unlike other Moroccan rugs, which are made
from wool, Boucherouite rugs are made from
scraps of whatever material is available, including
synthetic fabrics from old clothes or even
remnants of other rugs. The name Boucherouite
comes from the Arabic “bu sherwit,” meaning
“rag,” or “scrap of used clothing.” The word speaks
to the unremarkable origins of each piece. What
makes these upcycled artworks special, however,
is the fantastic array of patterns and colors they
can contain.
Traditionally, Moroccan rugs are woven within
very well-established motifs. Most are distinguishable
by region. By contrast, the Boucherouite
weaving style developed into a form of creative
release for the women who were creating it. Instead
of well-planned geometric patterns, Boucherouite
rugs are “spontaneous” compositions intended
to express the feelings of the weaver in a particular
moment. As a result, the designs can range from
tight geometric patterns to boundless abstract compositions
with rapid color changes, blended shapes,
and seemingly random angles.
While the styles originated near the Moroccan
cities of Boujad and Beni Mellal, it has since become
widespread among the Amazigh in many places, and
unlike traditional Moroccan rugs, Boucherouites are
hard to connect to a specific location by the design
and style alone.
Originally, Amazigh rugs were woven for use
in the home, and were not for sale. Because of that,
for a time Boucherouite rugs were beautiful secrets
seen only in Amazigh homes. It took time for people
to see beyond the humble materials to recognize the
artistry and craftsmanship it takes to weave such
magical compositions out of rags or scraps.
Today, Boucherouite rugs can be used to
add color and pattern to an interior. Because
they emerged in the '60s and '70s, the pieces have
a mid-century modern feel and fit well among
mid-century furnishings. They can also be displayed
as playful pieces that help break up rooms that are
overly traditional. Most are one-of-a-kind, so you
can be sure that the Boucherouite you are bringing
into your home will be unlike any other in the world.
Our favorite sources for Boucherouite rugs:
Revival
You can search for rugs by country and style
on Revival’s website. They have a collection of rugs
from Morocco that include many one-of-a-kind
Boucherouites. Each rug is professionally cleaned as
well.
Soukie Modern
Founded by Taib Lotfi and Kenya Knight, the
two have curated a collection of vintage and newly
created Moroccan rugs. Taib hails from Morocco and
is an expert in Moroccan textiles. Each rug that this
design duo identifies is an absolute work of art for
the home, and they have an assortment of colorful
Boucherouites.
Secret Berbère
Experts in the world of Moroccan rugs,
Secret Berbère ships rugs worldwide. Each rug is
handmade in the Altas Mountains and no chemicals
are used in the process — just vegetable dye. Their
collection of Boucherouite rugs are beautiful and
durable masterworks for the home. AC
58 aphrochic