The weaving patterns and designs of Moroccan textiles act at different levels. Some identify a family or tribe by tattoos, while others ward off evil and bring good luck. These symbols and patterns include magic numbers, geometric figures, triangles, squares, crosses, eight-pointed stars, the Star of David, spirals, circles, diamonds, floral and other plant motifs, abstract and figurative animal motifs, hands, eyes and a variety of tattoos. Each of these symbols has a different meaning depending on who you ask. But I have compiled some general explanations of the common symbols found in Amazigh rugs.
Two of the most frequently used patterns are the hand and the eye, used to ward off the evil eye and the jnoun (evil spirits). The evil eye, feared throughout the Mediterranean, is a power held by certain people whose eyes are supposed to bring bad luck to those on whom they fall:
The pattern of the hand, called khamsa/takhmist - symbol of creativity, power - symbolizes the number five, whose magical properties are supposed to protect the individual against the forces of evil.
The eye pattern can be represented in an abstract or realistic way. It can appear as a triangle symbolizing an eye, or as a row of triangles representing a pair. These patterns have magical properties against evil and are supposed to protect people, animals, objects or the textile itself.
Representational motifs such as scissors, weaving combs and knives are also supposed to counter the effect of the evil eye.
Animal symbols and motifs appear frequently in textiles. They are created in a simple and elegant way. Scorpions or jackals serve as protectors, while fish represent water, rain, the fertility of the land and prosperity. The bird, mentioned in the Qur'an as a messenger between heaven and earth, represents destiny. Lizards are considered sun seekers and represent human souls in search of light. Snakes are a symbol of fertility and are believed to have healing powers. Turtle motifs represent saints and provide protection from the forces of nature.
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