1960s Moroccan Berber Kilim Rug, Multicolor Stripes, 5'11" × 13'5"

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Description

n exceptionally long vintage Moroccan Berber Kilim rug, handwoven in Morocco during the mid-20th century, circa 1960. Measuring 71 inches … Read more n exceptionally long vintage Moroccan Berber Kilim rug, handwoven in Morocco during the mid-20th century, circa 1960. Measuring 71 inches wide by 161 inches long—approximately 5 feet 11 inches by 13 feet 5 inches—this authentic North African tribal textile offers an impressive scale suitable for a large living room, dining room, bedroom, gallery, library or spacious hallway.

Handwoven in wool by Berber women using a traditional flat-weave technique, the rug features a natural ivory ground enlivened by an expressive sequence of horizontal stripes. The alternating bands appear in rich burgundy red, vivid green, bright pink, warm orange and black. Variations in the width and spacing of the stripes create an intuitive visual rhythm that distinguishes this one-of-a-kind Moroccan Kilim from commercially manufactured carpets.

The colorful composition becomes increasingly graphic when viewed across the rug’s substantial 13-foot length. Some stripes are narrow and delicately outlined, while others form broader bands of saturated color. The handwoven lines retain subtle irregularities rather than following a mechanically perfect pattern. These variations are characteristic of authentic Berber craftsmanship and give the textile its distinctive personality, movement and artistic presence.

Both short ends are finished with decorative hand-knotted openwork and multicolored tassels or pom-poms. These original woven embellishments incorporate coordinating shades of burgundy, pink, green and ivory, adding texture and a playful sculptural quality to the otherwise linear design. The pom-pom fringe is an important decorative feature and should remain clearly visible when the rug is displayed.

Moroccan flat-weave textiles were traditionally created as practical household furnishings, including floor coverings, blankets and decorative textiles. Unlike a high-pile Moroccan carpet, this Kilim has a relatively flat, lightweight surface, allowing it to be used in several ways. It can anchor a long dining table, define a substantial seating area, extend along a gallery-style hallway or be placed completely in front of a bed. It could also be displayed vertically as a large textile artwork, where its striped composition would read like an abstract modernist painting.

The ivory background and saturated accent colors make this vintage Moroccan striped rug especially versatile. It would complement Wabi-Sabi and Organic Modern interiors featuring plaster, limestone, aged wood and natural linen. It can also introduce warmth and character into Mid-Century Modern, Bohemian, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, eclectic or contemporary rooms. Within a neutral interior, the green, red, pink, orange and black stripes provide a confident focal point without overwhelming the surrounding furnishings.

The creator is listed as the Berber Tribes of Morocco, identified as the weaver. The place of origin is Morocco, and the date of manufacture is circa 1960. The most appropriate period designation is Mid-20th Century. Its materials and techniques are wool, hand-woven construction and traditional flat-weave craftsmanship. The recommended category is Moroccan and North African Rugs, while Tribal or Folk Art would both be relevant style attributes.

This vintage Moroccan Kilim rug is presented in good condition, with wear consistent with age and previous use. Minor losses, subtle surface variations, weaving irregularities and changes in coloration are expected in an authentic handwoven wool textile of this period. These characteristics contribute to its genuine vintage appearance and should not be mistaken for modern manufacturing defects. Please examine the detailed photographs carefully to understand the condition of the flat weave, edges and original decorative tassels.

With its unusual 13-foot length, natural wool ground, vibrant multicolor stripes and distinctive pom-pom fringe, this collectible Berber textile combines traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with a remarkably contemporary visual character.

Dimensions: 71 inches wide by 161 inches long; approximately 5 feet 11 inches by 13 feet 5 inches. Handwoven wool, Morocco, circa 1960. Creator: Berber Tribes of Morocco. Condition: good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use and minor losses. See less