Pillows	Rugs and Runners	Tableware	Caftans	Handbags

Berber tribes living in the Middle or High Atlas, and the Arab-speaking areas around the plains of Marrakech are the three principal regions of Moroccan carpet production. Identifiable by weaving technique, design, and color, these area rugs, cushions (many over 80 years old), and blankets are traditionally composed of sheep's wool and have a fringe only at one end. White cotton is often used in the Middle Atlas to accent darker background flatweave hanbels, but all traditional rural motifs are geometric - bands of diamond grids, intricate crosses, lozenges, and rectangular stripes. Extraordinary knotting and embroidery with saffron-hued wool enlivened by a predominance of orange, is characteristic of the glaoua rugs from Taznakht. Other natural dyes include reddish-purple from madder root, dried figs and pomegranate for black, tea for brown and sepia, almond leaves or gordes flowers for other shades of yellow. Chemical dyes have also been used since 1900. Cape-like akhnifs for men and tamizart for Zenmour women are flat, lighter-weight pieces of wool and cotton. Periodically, one sees kilims so laden with sequins (mouzon) to ward off the evil eye that the motifs are often obscured. These designer rugs and throw pillows are woven for weddings, then hung in the bride's home, and finally, she is shrouded in them when she dies.