Cooperative Tawnza, Ait Hamza valley, Morocco

My research trip to the Middle Atlas of Morocco began with the aim of observing and learning the vertical weaving technique used in Amazigh wool rugs, a centuries-old tradition. With the support of Culture Vultures Sefrou, I traveled to the Ait Hamza Valley, where I met the women of Cooperative Tawnza—the first cooperative in Morocco where women market their products independently, without male intermediaries profiting from their labor.

Founded in 2012, Cooperative Tawnza provides a space for local women to weave high-quality traditional rugs using locally sourced wool. The initiative was spearheaded by Afkir Itto, an experienced weaver from the region, who donated half of her house to create a dedicated weaving space. Their goal is to gain global recognition, ensuring financial independence through their craft. Inspired by their vision, I wanted to collaborate with them.

Amazigh women historically carried tattoos on their faces, but since Islam forbids body modification, they began weaving these symbols into their rugs to preserve their heritage. These motifs are deeply symbolic, making each rug a form of cultural storytelling.

During my collaboration, I developed the project “Rugs of Life”. I first documented traditional woven symbols, then deconstructed them using the “Game of Life” algorithm, and returned them as a visual glossary. I invited the women to create new compositions based on these transformed symbols. I designed these symbols within a grid format, which was unfamiliar to the weavers’ traditional design approach. This exchange opened a dialogue, highlighting different ways of perceiving and recording textile patterns.

Language barriers—since I speak English while they speak Tamazight, Arabic, and some French—further reinforced our communication through craft. The differences in interpretation of design documentation were naturally embedded in the final woven pieces, visible through the scale and structure of the motifs.

The rugs produced through this collaboration have been exhibited in multiple art shows. The women hope that international recognition will lead to more commissions and economic self-sufficiency, further empowering their community.

  • year

    2020