Atlas Terrain

Soukina leads a group of 35 artisans from a village near Beni M’rirt in the Middle Atlas. Founded in the early 2000s by Soukina's mother, Ketlouma, the collective specialises in medium to high-quality hand-knotted rugs, a style named after the region, as well as M’rirt Zanafi rugs, their unique interpretation of the Zanafi style from the southeast. The traditional rugs from this region are made using a thick knotting technique, giving them a particularly plush texture. There are many varieties of medium to high knot rugs: Boujad, Azilal, Beni Ourain, Beni M’Rirt, and Marmoucha, to name just a few. Although they may share similarities, the knotting technique varies according to the region or tribe of origin. The majority of these rugs come from the Middle and High Atlas. The local sheep in these cold climates have thicker fleece to support them during the winter, which influences the thickness of the wool and, consequently, the height of the pile.