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KILIMS & MERGOUMS – TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTED
RUGS FROM TUNISIA
KILIM RUG:
In Tunisia, kilims (or klims) have been traditionally hand-woven by southern
nomads. Each tribe or village uses its own patterns and designs, making their
craft very unique and multifaceted.
The kilim is very tightly woven and is always adorned with geometrically shaped
Berber or Arabic patterns – mostly diamonds and triangles. Often very colorful,
kilims can be easily identified by the specific interweaving of the warp and weft
threads that are used.
First, warp threads are placed in a parallel fashion, based on the width and
length of the desired kilim. Then, weft threads are woven throughout the entire
width, perpendicularly to the warp threads. The weaver must switch color each
time the pattern requires it, which makes production of kilims highly timeconsuming.
The kilim is a robust rug, lighter than knotted carpets but heavier than MiddleEastern rugs.
You can use kilims in many different ways:
As a decorative carpet to brighten up a room
As a wall decoration
As cushions, ottomans, bags, etc.
MERGOUM RUG:
The mergoum (also called "margoum") is a flatweave wool rug that is woven and
embroidered on cotton warp, which gives it its stiff and robust appearance,
heavier and thicker than the klim (kilim). Originally produced in the town of
Oudhref, mergoum is also woven in El Jem and in the famous city of Kairouan,
well known for the quality of its rugs. The mergoum rug is handcrafted following
very old traditional weaving techniques.
Mergoum is of Berber origin – thus reflecting Berber art with its diamond-like
patterns known as "regma", which are well-known Berber motifs that symbolize
fertility. Three types of diamonds are often used in mergoums based on the
design of the rug: a large central diamond along with medium-sized diamonds or
many small diamonds. The border of the mergoum is almost always decorated
with various Berber patterns: diamonds, triangles, zigzags, combs, etc. Motifs
are always geometrically shaped and clearly visible in any given spot. Wool
threads running on the back of the rug confirm the genuineness of the
handcrafted rug.
The authenticity and the quality of the mergoum rug is certified by the Tunisian
Office national de l'artisanat, which includes on the back of each rug, a
certificate confirming that the weaving is handmade, and specifying the type of
material, the size, the weight, and particularly if it's a premium or substandard
quality rug.
The mergoum is a life-long rug, well known for its robustness and age-resistance.
If Tunisia's uniqueness stems from its long tradition of decorative art, it is
because the many different cultures that have followed one another on its land
have all contributed to the richness of Tunisian handcraft. Let's take a tour of
the rich and diverse craft that enlivens our homes.
Rugs from Kairouan – a heritage from a thousand-year tradition
Among designations of origins for Tunisian rugs, the most famous is the one
from Kairouan. Its design is traditionally based on end-to-end knots in wool or
cotton. The density or number of knots in one square meter is what makes it
possible to estimate the value of the rug. Patterns are usually geometrical, but
can also depict fine flowers. It is to be noted that the Alloucha-type (from
"allouche" meaning sheep) rug has natural tones ranging from white to brown.
Rugs from Gafsa – a craftsmanship originating from South of Tunisia
Gafsa's low-pile carpets reflect one of the unique craftsmanship that originate
from South of Tunisia. In this region, these rugs called "kilims" are unique work
pieces since they are produced by weavers to whom were passed very ancient
traditional techniques. These techniques combine weaving taffeta with knots.
Moreover, with their different geometrical shapes made of several multicolored lines, rugs from Gafsa are true masterpieces. Each type has a very
specific purpose. There are commonly used for bedding, decorating walls or
carpeting. This is why this kind of rug is so widely used and exported in the US
and even in Japan.
Rugs from Oudhref – a Berber heritage
The southern region of Oudhref located in the governorate of Gabès is well
known for its traditionally handcrafted rugs, called "mergoums". This genuine
craftsmanship that has been passed on from generations to generations is a
flatweave rug from pure sheep wool. The wool is embroidered on a cotton warp,
which gives it a stiff appearance. Berber of origin, it is adorned with diamonds
called "regma", which are famous patterns that symbolize fertility. Very often,
this carpet has two borders with triangles or zigzags. Although the rug usually
follows a specific pattern, it also comes in a vast range of types and colors.
In Tunisia, rug weaving is a true way of conveying cultural identity.
Handicraft natural palm tree frame from Nefta to show off a mergoum or
kilim rug. A new way of decorating your home with fine natural materials.
Handcraft means unevenness and imperfections in the woven threads.
Therefore, each mergoum or kilim rug is a unique work piece. The value and
genuineness of craftwork.
Palm tree items are manufactured from the wood of old palm trees that have
become unproductive. The wood is carried to the Chott el Jérid where it is
soaked in salted water in order to eliminate any remaining fresh water, thus
reducing the risk of the wood being eaten away by worms.
Walid Hajri
Mohamed Omrane
Laura Mosser
+216 29 945 442
+216 52 665 307
+216 99 232 790
[email protected]