Kenifhra Rug Auction – Unforgotten Experience at the Rug Market
Since I started my journey into the Moroccan rug’s world in 2015 , a day that I will never forget, it’s been when I had the chance to partecipate in the Rug Auction in Kenifhra weekly market.
That was the day when I bought my first Moroccan handmade rug ever!
The Way to Rug Market
I was advised by a friend to visit Khenifra since I need to buy some rugs, so I thought it was a good idea to get in touch with someone there to help me and introduce me to some rug sellers.
It took me 4 hours to arrive there and meet my guy.
When I met him, he told me that I was lucky to be there that day. In fact it was a Saturday, the day of the rug auction, which held weekly in the market of Kenifhra.
I was eager and curious since it was the first time hearing about that, so thirty minutes before the auction began, I was already there.I noticed a large pile of rugs in the center of the market, surrounded by a group of men and about 20 women arranged on the steps.
I discovered those women were weavers coming from the mountain villages around Kenifhra, arrived there to sell their rugs and wedding blankets at the weekly market. Most of the rugs and blankets were new and other were vintage from family inheritance, but still in good conditions to be sold. Once they arrive in the big city they supposed to hire a man authorised to sell in the auction. Those men are called “Dellala”. The weavers need to tell the hired man their minimum price needed for each rug or wedding blanket and then leave the rug to him to do his job.
I was happy when I knew that I’m allowed to participate in the auction and buy directly from any of the auction men.
Auction time
Because of the nature of this conservative area, the women gather not far from the auction, to watch, without interfering in the work of Dellala.
When the auction begins, each seller carry one of the rugs and start to move around, passing by the small shop owners and the audience and everyone around can participate.
Each time the auction man passes, he will loudly say the last price he got, and anybody can increase a little until he find his best price to close the deal.
It can take around 15 to 20 rounds to the man, carrying sometimes an heavy rug, to sell it!
Normally the auction last for a couple hours and when it finish, the sellers meet the weavers to give them what they got, deducting the agreed percentage for the Dellala.
I saw happy looks from the weavers which had the money they expected for their long work, while some of them leaves disappointed, because they couldn’t make good deals or didn’t sell their products at all.
At this point they need to try to sell their rugs and blankets in other markets or in the coming weeks auctions.
I got my first rug!
Despite it was more a discovery trip, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in the auction and buy my first rug.
I saw two beautiful rugs, so I started following the “Dellalas” and to increase the price slowly.
I felt that the price of one of them went out of control, so I gave up with that one and I kept following the other.
It was a small 3×5 feet velour rug, in a light ivory/yellow color and a red symbol in the middle.
I reached the deal with the seller and that little gem was mine!
After paying the price I asked the guy to show me the lady who made it and he called her.
She was smiling shy and insecure when I asked her if I can take her photo to keep as memory, but she agreed when explained to her that it was my first Moroccan rug, the one I chose to celebrate the beginning of a new professional life.
I took this magnificent photo you see below, with her kind and shinning smile.
I remember that moment with great pleasure!
It was an authentic experience that I recommend to everyone, because besides being an opportunity to buy an authentic rug directly from the source, it is also a way to connect with the communities that make these masterpieces.
Participating in Kenifhra Rug Market and understanding more about the rug culture in Morocco is something you will never forget and will give you one more reason to love this country and its extraordinary handcrafted products.
Peace and Love
We never know what life hides for us, but the good way of living is to expect a beautiful surprise in each corner and be open to accept what is coming….whatever it is.
Comments (6)
What an amazing story! Adds a new dynamic to a beautiful carpet. How I wish i had been there to meet the artisan.
Thank you Rasha, in your coming visit to Morocco, lets live that experience :)
Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Thank you very much Mary, I’m writing now a new article about Morocco as a promising land for love and spirituality, stay tuned!
Best regards
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Thank you very much Brian, I’m happy that my writing from heart pleased you :)
I hope one time you visit morocco and enjoy a fantastic time, maybe also attending this auction experince.
You made my day!
Best regards