Amazigh woman dressed in a Handira, a weaving typical of the Middle Atlas Mountains

 

Because of their ethnic (Amazigh and Moroccan) and social (lack of formal education and income) affiliation, Amazigh carpet weavers are presented as artisans unconsciously transmitting without questioning or understanding the ancestral tradition and pagan and prehistoric motifs of an eternal Tamazgha in its millenary culture but hidden by the non-democratic Arab powers of the North African region. 

Producing to support their own, Amazigh weavers have economic concerns shared by recognized Western artists who, to survive artistically, must promote their work by increasing the market value of their labour or other sources of income.

For the weavers, coming out of the shadows means sowing disorder in the "art" and "craft" categories. The recent "outside view" that makes them and their great art appear may mark a step towards their taking charge of the promotion and mediation of their art, and of the management of the resulting income.

                                                             Moroccan Berber Rugs