For centuries the Tuareg people of North Africa have crafted portable floor coverings for their nomadic desert lifestyle. These stunning handwoven mats have become coveted design pieces that bridge ancient tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
Desert Origins
Born of necessity in the harsh Saharan environment, these mats served as portable ground coverings for nomadic desert life. Thin palm sticks were bound together with goat or camel leather, creating a matchstick-like surface with leather designs ranging from simple bands to complex geometric patterns representing protection, fertility, or clan identification.
Rise to Design Prominence
Tuareg mats caught the attention of North American and European collectors and designers in the mid-20th century. Their bold geometric patterns and rich earth tones resonated with modernist aesthetics, while their handcrafted authenticity appealed to those seeking alternatives to mass production.
Tuareg mats feel both ancient and contemporary. We have carried a few of these special pieces over the years, and our current offering is an understated gem. Rather than a bold geometric design this piece features a more delicate diamond pattern. Measuring 5' x 7' it is a conventional rug size perfect for smaller spaces.
