moroccan zaine berber middle atlas rug. The Berber group of Zaine live in one of the higher parts of the Middle Atlas mountain range and their rugs reflect the cold conditions which prevail. They have long, lustrous pile and are tightly woven thus providing the weight and warmth required to combat the cold. The excellent text book "From the Far West: Carpets and Textiles of Morocco", published by the Washington Textile Museum, elaborates on this. Designs are often based on the diamond motif seen in this piece. Pages 68 to 75 of "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus" show several examples and give good information on the weaving of Zaine. This is a rare old piece and is in perfect condition. Reference 2711. Size 200 x 145 cms., or 6ft. 7ins. x 4ft. 9in. Euros 1475 sold thankyou.