South American

A smaller sect of the Berber people who predominantly inhabit Northern African nations, the Tuaregs share common cultural aspects with the Berbers in their way of life. As their economy revolved around trans-Saharan trade, this created a significant impact on their art, including textiles.

Made in the first years of the 20th century, mats produced from the nomadic tribes had a significant place in Tuareg culture and have been hand-woven by women for thousands of years. The women who hand-wove these Tuareg mats used convenient materials such as palms and reeds. Once completing the base, they would then decorate them with intricate leather strands of camel or goat leather often adorned with powerful symbols. Due to the size and incredible durability, these mats were made to withstand some of the hottest temperatures worldwide.

Morocco's rich textile heritage dates back to the beginnings of civilization, with the early adoption of rug-making by native Moroccans. With strong tribal character, decorative quality, and suppleness, the feel of the Berber rugs have long been acknowledged and admired. Color-saturated decoration has long been associated with traditional Moroccan decorative art heritage and typically varies from neutral shades to popping hues. The designs that most frequently appear in Moroccan rugs are traditional and ancient, passed down from weaver to weaver, with designs ranging from ordered geometric shapes and elaborate ornaments to a more abstract and free-form expressive pattern.