Morocco, Cooperative Timnay, Carpets

Cooperative Timnay is a group of weavers from the Taznakht area in Morocco. Taznakht is a town known for its livestock and agriculture. These two activities contribute to making the town and the surrounding area famous for its quality natural handmade products, thanks to the availability of natural wool, plants and other raw materials. Craftspeople in the cooperative weave traditional carpets by hand using naturally dyed sheep’s wool and recycled clothing fabrics. They are skilled in natural dyeing, creating dyes using plants such as saffron, henna and tea. Aglaou Kebira explains the processes involved in creating each carpet: 'After having thoroughly washed the sheep's wool, it is prepared in the form of fine fibers and then colored with natural colors of plant origin. We then weave it in tools that are well made locally for these products.'

The cooperative was set up by the women weavers to sell their products direct to buyers for a higher price, and improve their standard of living in terms of health, environment and cultural integrity. The artisans learned their skills from their mothers and elders and the rugs are part of the cultural heritage of southern Morocco. Aglaou says: 'We are craftswomen who weave products with fibers prepared in sheep's wool, we use wood and metal materials with manual techniques, we are trained by our ancestors. We also use recycled clothing fabrics, all of which have a positive effect on the environment and a profitable impact on our lives.'

To follow the story of Cooperative Timnay, find them on social media here.