Moroccan Wool Flatwoven Rug

Ten feet of careful geometry, finished with a fringe that went its own way.

This flatwoven rug comes from Ziane in the Upper Atlas Mountains of Morocco, 20th century, in wool. In the Atlas, weaving was largely women's work, done at home for household use, and flatwoven pieces could serve as floor coverings, blankets or dividers within a room. A central spine of small diamonds splits the rug in two, with panels of chevrons and lozenges on either side in cream, plum and brown. Matching chains of diamonds run down both edges. Ten feet long.

Cross it slowly. There is a lot to read.