Taznakht : Centuries-old carpet-weaving heritage under threat

In Taznakht, a village nestled in the south of Morocco, carpet weaving remains an ancestral practice, blending art and economic survival. Yet, this tradition, passed down from mother to daughter, struggles to withstand growing economic and social challenges, reports AFP.

Ijja Benchri, 60, began weaving at the age of 11, inspired by the women of her community. Sitting in front of a traditional loom, she recounts: «Little by little, I learnt, and it became my life's work.» Like her, many women in this mountainous region perpetuate this heritage, known for its colorful carpets, emblematic of the Aït Ouaouzguite tribe.

The carpets of Taznakht, made from quality sheep's wool and natural dyes, were once prized for their authenticity. But industrial dyes, which are less costly, have largely replaced traditional pigments, altering the manufacturing process. «Creating a single carpet can take two to four weeks depending on its size», explains Safia Iminotras, head of a local cooperative.

However, these works, often sold for a few hundred dirhams to intermediaries, end up at prices up to ten times higher in the bazaars of Marrakech or on online platforms, where they can reach 6,000 euros. This situation is denounced by the weavers, who feel exploited. «The intermediaries decide the price, and we have no choice but to accept it because this is our livelihood», laments Benchri.

In the face of these inequalities, initiatives are emerging, such as the opening of an exhibition space in Taznakht, aimed at reducing the role of intermediaries and promoting direct sales. Training in digital marketing is also offered to help the weavers access new markets.

Despite these efforts, the transmission of this art seems compromised. Many young girls prefer to turn to more lucrative jobs, while the competition from synthetic carpets threatens the economic viability of the tradition. «If this heritage isn't made financially viable, we risk losing it», warns Safia Iminotras. This is a worrying prospect for this activity which, beyond its cultural dimension, constitutes an essential source of income for hundreds of Moroccan families.