COMFORT ZONE: Primal Rugs of Turkey and Morocco - Origins, Function and Art

by Double Knot
A curated collection of nomadic and village rugs from the mountains of Turkey and Morocco, exhibited at Double Knot Gallery, Dec 12, 2014 - Jan 17, 2015. Originally used as beds, blankets, pillows – providing comfort and protection from the harsh climate – they are distinguished by their abstract, minimalist designs that invite comparisons with modern art.
  • Comfort Zone @ Double Knot,...
    Comfort Zone @ Double Knot, December 2014

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Eureka"
    "Eureka"
    Morocco, Central High Atlas
    Ourika Valley
    late 20th century
    5' 2" x 7' 2"
    torn pieces of cloth, cotton, wool

    New-found creativity of the weavers of the High Atlas, almost entirely free from old norms.

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Chessboard Boogie-Woogie...
    "Chessboard Boogie-Woogie"
    Morocco, Eastern High Atlas
    Ait Bou Ichaouen Tribes
    mid-20th century or later
    6' 7" x 13'
    wool pile on wool foundation

    The basic checkered design is ubiquitous in almost all rug making regions of the world. What made this weaver mess with it in such a creative way?

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Growing Man"
    "Growing Man"
    Turkey, Central Anatolia
    Konya-Karapinar Region
    early 20th century
    3' 10" x 5' 3"
    wool pile on wool foundation

    The design of this tülü is clearly a variation of the stacked arches theme that is often interpreted as being related to prayer rug design. But it is the "mistakes" that make it infinitely more interesting.

    A comparison with Keith Haring's Growing Man is hard to resist.

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Sweet Dreams"
    "Sweet Dreams"
    Morocco, Central High Atlas
    Azilal Province
    late 20th century
    4' 1" x 8' 7"
    wool pile on cotton/wool foundation

    This is probably the opposite end of the spectrum from the first rug, in terms of ornamentation and also of historical timeline.

    Long ignored, the weaving traditions in this part of Morocco are alive and seemingly bursting with creativity at a time when authentic rug making in other parts of the world has come to an end.

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Out of the Blue"
    "Out of the Blue"
    Morocco, Central Middle Atlas
    Beni Mguild Tribes
    mid-20th century or earlier
    6' x 11' 6"
    wool pile on wool foundation

    There is a well-established tradition among the Beni Mguild Berbers of weaving monochromatic rugs and blue features very frequently.

    Not the first color that comes to mind when you are trying to keep warm.

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  • "The Mother Ship"
    "The Mother Ship"
    Morocco, NE Middle Atlas
    Beni Ouarain Tribes
    early 20th century
    6' 8" x 12' 5"
    wool pile on wool foundation

    Used as beds for the family, very few rugs of this age survived. Thick, heavy and welcoming, this one has amazing presence. A loving matriarch embracing the entire family.

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Woolly Vortex"
    "Woolly Vortex"
    Turkey, Eastern Anatolia
    Adiyaman Region
    early 20th century
    4' 5" x 12' 10"
    wool pile on wool foundation

    A distinct type from Eastern Anatolia, possibly woven by the Kurdish tribes. The front has thick, shaggy pile and the flatwoven back is decorated with colorful bands and a scattering of embroidered motifs. It is assumed one side was for winter and the other for summer use.

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  • "Ancient Tracks I"
    "Ancient Tracks I"
    Turkey, Central Anatolia
    Konya-Obruk Region
    early 20th century or earlier
    4' 4" x 10' 6"
    wool pile on wool foundation

    The design of this tülü is well known from the flatweaves of this region, but it is unique in our experience, in knotted pile technique.

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • "Rag Time"
    "Rag Time"
    Morocco, region unknown
    late 20th century
    3' 6" x 9' 4"
    torn pieces of cloth, cotton, etc.

    The so-called "boucherouite" weavings are another example of the vitality of the craft of weaving in Morocco, prompted by the socio-economic changes affecting traditional lifestyles. New rugs created for the changing times.

    This image was uploaded by the author

  • Comfort Zone @ Double Knot,...
    Comfort Zone @ Double Knot, December 2014

    This image was uploaded by the author

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