A striking Zayan rug, mid 20th century, from the western Middle Atlas, with a vivid color variation in the field (known as abrash) ranging from magenta to different hues of blood orange. The complex but more regular design, enigmatically peeking through the pile, is characteristic for the work of a professional male master weaver. Such rugs were commissioned by wealthy Berber families because they were regarded as more prestigious. Please note: This rug can be used on both sides, flatweave or pile side, depending on your needs. A high res image of the back side is available upon request. 

The territory of the ZAYAN tribe, neighboring the Beni Mguild tribe, is located in the western Middle Atlas. The Zayan tribe is split up into eleven sub-tribes. The town Khenifra divides the tribal region into two zones: a larger part in the southwestern Middle Atlas and a small mountain region northeast of Khenifra. The typical knotted Zayan rug is brick red with a lozenge network containing small diamond motifs and has a high pile (up to 10cm/3’9“). The pattern is usually only visible on the back side and tends to be rather formal in execution. It is rather rare to encounter examples with freer designs.