AGE-OLD CRAFT OF WEAVING CARPETS AT RISK

In southern Morocco, women are the guardians of the age-old craft of carpet weaving, an intricate art form that often leaves them with meagre earnings.

Artisans such as Ms Ijja Benchri, who creates carpets on a wooden weaving loom outside her home in the village of Taznakht, follow traditions going back many generations.

"I started when I was 11 or 12, imitating the women I saw weaving," said Ms Benchri, 60. "Little by little, I learnt, and it became my life's work."

Known for their bold geometric patterns and vibrant colours, the rugs are a fixture in local markets and a favourite among tourists.

In 2022, traditional carpets accounted for nearly 22 per cent of the kingdom's artisan exports, according to government data.

The mountain villages around Taznakht are famous for their Ait Ouaouzguite carpets, named after a native Amazigh tribe. It is among a grouping of several communities indigenous to North Africa long referred to as Berbers.

The carpets are woven by the women on small traditional looms, either at home or in specialised workshops. They are then categorised into various styles, depending on their region of origin and designs.