Boucherouite (pronounced boo-shay-REET) – a Moroccan-Arabic word that translates to reused, torn clothing – are rugs crafted by the Berber people of Morocco. The tradition is relatively new and evolved from the changing socio-economic situation of the Berber tribes.
Traditionally the nomadic Berbers used the Boucherouite technique to create rugs and blankets from natural fibres coloured with the earth tones of vegetables dyes. As the rugs became more in demand and nomadic life waned, along with the production of wool, the Berbers supplemented wool for more accessible materials, reusing scraps of silk, wool, and even synthetic fibres and plastics. The change of materials has resulted in a new textile tradition altogether. Despite the shapes irregular, the materials frayed and the colours mismatched, the work is happy, energetic and bright. Imperfections shine and their natural and unaffected style only adds to their charm and beauty.
Images from Boucherouite dealer Jean Yves SEVESTRE.
