REHAMNA N° 317RH


A rare cover, 1970s, from the Plains of Marrakech, with a colorful abstract design in mixed technique. Rectangular motifs dissolve into free-flowing, warped shapes or are condensed and strung together into the horizontal patterned bands. The knotted composition, framed by sawtooth edges, appears like a second layer symmetrically placed on top of the striped background. The vibrancy of this textile is enhanced by the colorful warp, peeking through the weft, and the relief-like surface. This piece can be used as a floor covering.


Dimensions
280 × 140 cm
9'1" × 4'6"
Material
wool & cotton
Pile
Mixed technique
Condition
very good

Price
sold




The REHAMNA region lies in the Plains of Marrakech, extending northwards of the city Marrakech and is bordered to the north by the Oum Er-Rbia River. The Rehamna tribes consist of two main groups the „Arabs“ and the „Saharans“ which are further divided by smaller groups. Pile rugs can be distinguished by two basic design types: the ‘Qtifa’ and the ‘Zarbia’. The first type is a monochromatic ground field in red or orange, often with abrash, occasionally featuring a few sparsely scattered motifs. The second type is often heavily decorated. Both types share some common characteristics including a red or orange field that is typically framed by sawtooth edges, a warp made with goat hair (sometimes mixed with wool) and striped kilim bands on both ends (up to 40 cm long in older examples). Pieces made before the mid 20th century are remarkably fine in comparison to other rural Moroccan rugs. Rehamna rugs are known for their highly artistic and unpredictable designs using free forms, chains of diamonds, squares, checker board motifs, asymmetric arrangement of lines or influences from Rabat carpets. They should not be confused with rugs from the Ahmar or the Ouled Bou Sbaâ which are situated further south.