A sublime older Beni Ouarain rug, mid 20th century, from the northeastern Middle Atlas with an elegant, minimalist design. The simplified geometric pattern in combination with the finest hand-spun wool make this piece very desirable. Since the early 2000s the commercial production of Beni Ouarain carpets adapted to the European and American market demands. Their designs most often lack spirit, unlike this example, which combines many of the searched after characteristics of an older authentic piece.

The tribal territory of the BENI OUARAIN includes most of the entire high mountain region of the northeastern part in the Middle Atlas. The Beni Ouarain are a confederation of seventeen tribes living in the area. Their territory is bordered by the Jebel Bou Iblane Range in the south and southeast and by the Jebel Tazekka in the north. The knotted rugs from the Beni Ouarain, originally made to use as beds, are known for their exceptional quality of wool, a high pile (up to 4 cm/ 1.57 in) and a classic lozenge pattern in dark brown or black on a white ground. Similar pile rugs with the same color scheme have also been made among other groups in some of the neighboring regions. The rugs of the Beni Alaham, Marmoucha and Ait Seghrouchène are often confused with the ones of the Beni Ouarain even if their patterns are quite particular.