A richly decorated Beni Mguild, mid 20th century, from the central Middle Atlas with two different versions of a lozenge network divided by a narrow kilim band. The upper field is characterized by a lively, but more classic lozenge pattern with filling motifs, in contrast to the lower section displaying a wilder, more unusual version of it. This rug was made with great attention to detail which is not only evident in the elaborated pattern, but also in the superb workmanship. Please note the playful geometry in the vertical bands on the edges, the indigo fibers in the lower part, and the attractive color variation in the background – all adding more depth to the overall piece. 

The tribal area of the BENI MGUILD is located in the central portion of the Middle Atlas with Azrou as the largest town in the territory. The Beni Mguild tribe is split up into nine sub-tribes divided into three zones: the Azaghar Plateau region, the ridges of the Middle Atlas proper, and the steppes of the upper Moulouya valley. The knotted rugs of the Beni Mguild have a high pile height (up to 4 cm/ 1.57 in) with a dense structure if used as sleeping rugs. The ones used as floor coverings for festive occasions are lower in pile and even denser in structure. The colors are usually brownish purple or burgundy red, white ones are highly unusual, and in rarer cases also blue or green. The rugs of the Beni Mtir, Ait Seghrouchène (with a dark background), Zayan, Guigou and Ait Sgougou are most often confused with the ones of the Beni Mguild.