When you take the track to Mrirt from the Marrakesh to the landscapes of the Mediterranean Sea, you will find a small market of Boujad in our very own Khouribga Province which is supposed to be the gateway from Low Rug road to the Mountains of Middle Atlas.
The lower rug road passing through Boujad is the most famous route between the Caravan trains since old times. Those caravans were also called nomadic Saharan Berber, stuffed with the comfortable rugs made from the Kilim designs, smoothly woven from the material that was available particularly in Sahara.
Wools that are easily available to craft things are mostly gathered from camel skin, and it was considered to be the finest and contented wool other than merino (Merino is another kind of wool that makes rugs smooth and is taken from sheep). The Caravan rugs were as soft as Cashmere, due to the thermo-regulated quality that makes it hot in winters and cold in summers.
However, camel wool is often gathered when they begin to shed its coat, this is why Saharan rugs were rare at that time at the markets of Boujad and famous among the Berbers.
Passing through the small markets, traders and merchants trade their goods to get those rugs so they could add extra comfort in their journey, as they know if they could get something rare from the route is the camel rug that was so erratic and expensive. The Camel rugs were contrasted with the Boujad rugs which also were made from soft wool and fine textures that made them a perfect fit for floor coverings. These merchants take these rugs with them to different places, and by the time they find a market elsewhere so they keep it to sell and level up their standards of delivering quality rugs in those times. Through these merchants, the reputations of Boujad rugs began to establish way before we all could ever think. When merchants purchased them from the markets of Boujad and sold them with the name from where they come from – Boujad rugs – people began to connect the audacity of Boujad soil with the rugs.
With every passing time,cultural traditions and beliefs began to penetrate between the Saharan Berbers and Rug Road Berbers and the merger of both identities emerged as a common custom with shared values and symbols.
Boujad rugs have been seen as traditional tribal rugs which convey the joint purpose of practical and symbolic beliefs. The soft and warm wool of Boujad rugs provides protection against the cold nights, whereas the red colored base of the rugs are linked to protecting against the evil spirit and also associated to deliver spiritual protection.
The number of geometrical patterns conveys the sentiment and usually wish for good health, fertility, and fortitude.
Berbers seem to have a deep connection with the Boujad rugs. When decked on a horse or camel, it protects the rider. Similarly, when Berbers sleep under it, they feel having the love of their families, protecting them from the evil spirit and wishing them to stay safe.