Weaving is a long running tradition in Morocco. Since very early in its history, Morocco has been making beautiful woven materials. The country is most well-known for its hand-woven, intricately detailed rugs and carpets. Some Moroccans have these tapestries in their home simply for their beauty and function, while others purchase them for their magical powers and ability to ward off the evil eye.
Even the loom used for weaving is the ultimate symbol of magical protection. It is seen by the weaver as a living thing and treated as one. The loom is thought to possess baraka. This term refers to a sense of divine presence, charisma or wisdom that is transmitted from the loom to the weaver.
The others tools used by the weaver are also thought to have magical powers. Scissors, weaving combs and knives help to counter the effect of the evil eye. Often the tools have beautifully carved handles and designs to counter the different evils of the world.
Upon its completion, the textile is thought to have taken on all the powers of the tools used. The finished design is considered a woven "net" giving protection against evil forces.
To determine if your Moroccan rug posses any baraka, you need to look at the materials used and the designs woven into it. For example, wool is considered lucky, so if your rug is made of wool, or has wool in it, then it will bring good luck to your home.
The most frequently used motif is that of Fatima's hand, which is used to ward off the evil eye. This design can be woven in many stylized variations and can include crosses and other geometric shapes.
Crosses are often woven into design at right angles, diagonally or in a linear sequence. Triangle, lozenges, eyes or tattoos may be incorporated with the cross. The cross is believed to have the power first to draw in evil spirits and then disperse them into the six directions of the ancient Moroccan universe, north, south, east, west, above, and below.
Another dominant design used to avert evil from the home is the central red oculus, a type of tree found in the snow capes of the western High Atlas Berbers. Woven with the tree is a lizard, a symbol passed down from the ancient sun cults. Designs made around the lizard, both inside and out, are seen as eyes. The energy that flows from the eyes is represented with curved and wavy lines.
The lizard is also used in many other popular designs. If a woven design includes snakes, lizards, scorpions or turtles, it is believed to bring fertility and protect against adultery.
These are just a few examples of the many, many designs used in Moroccan textiles. When purchasing a Moroccan rug, keep in mind the powers it is believed to possess. Find out what your particular design means and the carpet will not only bring beauty to a room, but also a whole new personality.
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