What Are Boucherouite Moroccan Rugs & What Makes Them Unique?

Vintage Rugs

December 12, 2024 by Katelin Putnam

In the late 1800’s, denim jeans emerged on the scene as simple and practical durable workwear. They were a solution for blue color workers and factory laborers who needed durable clothing for the long hard hours of work. But, over time, denim jeans transformed into a symbol of rebellion, individuality, and eventually took over the global fashion scene. Today, a high quality pair of cotton denim is anyone’s most prized closet possession.

This story of the humble Moroccan Boucherouite rug is told in much the same way.

What Makes a Boucherouite Rug Unique?

The name Boucherouite (pronounced boo-shra-weet) comes from an Arabic word meaning “a scrap” or “a piece torn from used clothing.” They are endearingly nicknamed “rag rugs” among weavers and sellers.

These rugs began appearing in Morocco in the mid-20th century as a natural pivot to economic shifts. The price of creating a wool rug became too expensive to make for everyday home use, so Berber women began to use recycled textiles to make rugs for personal use. This saved the high valued wool to be used exclusively for rugs to be sold.

Berber weavers began mixing wool with scraps of old clothing, cotton, synthetic fibers, and even bits of grain bags. The result was an explosion of bright colors and organic texture that was not seen in the muted plant-based dyed and natural cream wool rugs.

What makes Morocco so special is the attention to detail that is put into everything that is created. You can walk down the alleyways of Marrakech and see the most beautifully decorated sewer drain you’ve ever seen. No surface is left without some touch of artistic detail.

The same is true of Boucherouite rugs. Authentic Boucherouite rugs are like abstract paintings for the floor. Their designs are completely spontaneous and free-flowing, mixing asymmetrical patterns and classic Berber motifs such as diamonds, snake bones, evil eyes, mountain landscapes, and animals. This unrestrained creativity makes every rug a distinct visual story told through the thread, the color and the unique weaver that created it.

Boucherouite rugs celebrate imperfection and innovation as beauty. And no two Boucherouite rugs are ever alike or can ever be replicated.

How To Identify a Boucherouite Rug

Boucherouite rugs were designed to be used for small areas in the home, so most often these style of rugs are smaller in size (2x5 feet) or runners (3x8 ft). You will likely not find them wider than 4 feet, because these rugs are woven in small home-based work spaces.

Their smaller size makes them ideal accent pieces, adding small pops of artistic color to liven up sterile contemporary and modern interiors.

They often have a mix of threads of a thick wool pile mixed with thin cotton threads. Sometimes they can have thick cotton fabric pieces. And sometimes they are made mostly of silky soft synthetic fibers.

The Decline of Traditional Berber Weaving

While Boucherouite rugs are trending in the global interior design space, the art of traditional Berber weaving is facing a steady decline.

This is because the rise of mass-produced knock-offs have driven down the worldwide value of authentic handwoven rugs. This makes it nearly impossible for weavers to support themselves through hand woven rugs alone.

This economic reality has contributed to a generational shift in many Berber communities, sparking questions like why is traditional Berber weaving disappearing?

Younger people, seeking more stable and higher-paying jobs, often leave their villages for urban centers. With their departure, they also leave behind centuries-old weaving traditions. Fewer and fewer young artisans are learning the skills required to create these unique rugs, putting this rich cultural heritage at risk. And once the last generation of traditional Berber weavers are gone, the tradition and knowledge of weaving rugs will go with them.

And as a secondary reaction, collectors and rare rug enthusiasts are starting to see the writing on the wall: Get these authentic rugs while you can, because sadly, unless things change, they likely won’t be around for much longer.

They are not being made as much now, and they will likely soon disappear completely.

What to Look for When Buying a Boucherouite Rug Online

Shopping for a Boucherouite rug online can be an exciting journey, but it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure authenticity and quality:

Authenticity: Look for sellers who source directly from Moroccan artisans or villages. Ask to view the back side of the rug. You will see obvious signs of a handmade touch by crooked lines, small handmade mistakes, and organic design variations. Machine made rugs will have stitching on the back that is uniform and straight.
Materials: Check the product description for fabric types such as a combination of recycled cotton, plant-based colored wool, recycled nylon or other synthetic threads. Avoid rugs that say 100% synthetic fibers such as polyester or rayon—essential advice for sustainable rug shopping tips.
Story & Origin: Reputable sellers will share the rug's background, including its origin and cultural significance, and sometimes give an artisan bio showing they have a direct connection with the creator.

Moroccan Boucherouite Rug Care Tips

Boucherouite rugs should be cared for just like a 100% wool rug because many of them contain plant-based dyed wool woven into their base or pile. If not washed properly, these natural dyes can bleed into surrounding fabrics. Taking proper care will help maintain their beauty and longevity.

Here are some essential care tips:

Regular Cleaning: Shake your rug outdoors to remove dust and debris. Boucherouite rugs are smaller in size, so they are easier to keep clean this way. Vacuum only when necessary.
Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to blot spills immediately. For deeper cleaning, use non-harsh cleaners like Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds and a very soft bristled brush. Brush in the direction of the weave in small circular motions. Or take to a professional rug cleaner.
Sun Protection: Keep your rug out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Storage Tips: Roll rugs instead of folding them, to prevent creasing. Keep them elevated off the floor, to avoid pests nesting in the fibers. And store in a place that does not have moisture.

How to Decorate with a Boucherouite Moroccan Rug

Boucherouite rugs are versatile and bring both function and artistry to any space. Here are some popular ways to decorate with these unique handwoven pieces:

Hallways and Entryways: Use a Boucherouite runner to add a burst of color to otherwise boring narrow spaces. It immediately captures the eye and is a conversation starter for all new visitors to the home.
Bathrooms: A Boucherouite scatter rug can bring artistic character to a bathroom floor, creating a quirky bathroom vibe.
Layered Bohemian Look: Layer Boucherouite rugs over larger neutral rugs for a bold, bohemian-inspired design. The overlapping textures and patterns create depth and visual interest.
Modern and Minimalist Spaces: Use a Boucherouite rug as a pop of color in minimalist, contemporary, or modern interiors. It adds character and prevents spaces from feeling too one-dimensional.
Keeping Rugs Flat: To keep Boucherouite rugs flat and prevent movement, apply carpet and rug tape on the corners and edges. This method secures the rug without damaging the floor when removed.