How Rug Weavers In Morocco Are Working Together To Fight For A Fair Wage | So Expensive

Moroccan rugs are valued around the world for their complex patterns and thick wool. A large rug can take months to weave, but the women who complete each step by hand usually receive the least profit.
Selling directly to consumers is challenging, so artisans often rely on middlemen who sell the rugs for several times more in big cities. Online, Moroccan rugs can sell for several thousand dollars.
We went to Morocco to find out why these artisans struggle to earn a profit while the rugs are so expensive.
Intro 0:00
Moroccan rugs 1:18
Cleaning and spinning wool 2:03
Working in a cooperative 2:36
Wool from mountain sheep 4:25
Dyeing wool 5:21
Weaving the design 6:16
Earning a profit 8:10
Passing on the craft 12:00
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How Rug Weavers In Morocco Are Working Together To Fight For A Fair Wage | So Expensive

[@abdelhamidcherragui]

If you go to Morocco, always go to a cooperative to buy not just rugs but anything like Argan Oil or other traditional products. The Bazaars do have authentic moroccan crafts, but the price is often three to four times higher than buying from a cooperative and only a minute amount of the profits goes back to the artisans. Also, by going to the cooperatives you get to meet the artisans, talk to them, drink tea with them and learn how they make their crafts. Cooperatives love displaying their know-how alongside their products. Spending time in a cooperative is an unforgettable experience especially if you get to experience how the crafts are made and give it a try even.

[@amineHighTube]

I concur, its more than just buying, cooperatives here are like families, if you visit its like visiting a home and u feel that warmth and kindness, and the product pricese are always fair

[@act_sion]

But how do you know it is a real coop?

[@act_sion]

@E L I A S . Most would do it at home . As such seem one or two doing the rugs is not a proof. Some even paid as a show for tourists

[@AbdulKareemAbdulRahman]

how would one identify or find these co-ops. what are coops called in arabic?

[@ShadowXg0z]

@@AbdulKareemAbdulRahman Tahawunya, TTAA-HAA-WU-NEE-YA

[@samanthagreen3903]

I went to a cooperative in the Atlas mountains (Atlas Art Rug) ordered my handmade rug, spoke to the weavers, it was a great experience!! My new baby should be completed soon and shipped by the end of this month 🥰

[@laureygracetx]

I'm interested! Do they have a website?

[@samanthagreen3903]

Yes, AtlasArtRug

[@mohamedsefiani1813]

@@laureygracetx I can help you get one!

[@kittenhome6066]

thank you for being kind, i hope u like the Rug, and ure more than welcome in our country

[@avocares]

If the goal is to support these artisans, then why not link to the co-ops that take the least percentage so viewers can support them?

[@helloanouteam4676]

They reference The Anou Cooperative in the video. BI is probably not allowed to link to anything as per their policy.

[@adrienneclarke3953]

This channel is BIG on never giving links to the businesses they feature

[@Summitic]

Because that's the trend. Pretend to care.

[@KL-zt6jx]

These artisans don't have a website (as far as I've seen). (I've been there a lot, but not in the last 3 years, so maybe that changed.)

[@Summitic]

@@KL-zt6jx they have Google pages ( on google maps, bing maps, trip advisor etc..) that's enough ! Sometimes they have a Web entry on the page of the local authority or related ministry.

[@mohammedamhadouch3552]

I am moroccan amazigh and it feels heart warming to see this. These women put their hearts and souls into creating these masterpieces. Its a trade that was passed from generation to generation, the reason that most of them do not make bigger profits on it is that they are located in the mountains and they cannot afford to go to the cities nearby to showcase their products since they have families to care for. Therefore, they have to go through intermediates, some of them are honest while the rest are shady and try to lowball these women so they can resell them for much more money especially to tourists. I hope people one day will straight to these women and buy from them. All the love for these brave amazigh women ❤❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Amen.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

amazing

[@mastersplinter5966]

They said they're trying to make a website of sorts for Customers. Is there a website you guys know of yet or is it still in the works. Because I would love to buy 1 for myself or for my Mom.

[@al-quranshikkhaacademy1743]

Assalamu Ali kum How are you Brather?

[@Anneissinging]

My friend is from that region in Morocco and had a handmade rug shipped. Not only is it absolutely beautiful but the sensation of walking barefoot on it is extraordinary. It is the single FLOOFIEST rug I ever laid feet on.

[@alhamdulillah23x]

what is the website called please i want to buy 3 for my friends

[@oujbouaicha8662]

@@alhamdulillah23x hey if you would like I can link you with a family and you can order directly from them and they can ship their rugs to Europe. Please don't buy from big stores or intermediate try to contact a family directly to help support their businesses because it's cheaper and they families won't get scammed by the intermediates and the store owners

[@proxiona3876]

@@alhamdulillah23x I'm from Khenifra, Morocco, here located the biggest handmade rug old shop in morocco.

[@M3doox]

Check theanou cooperative they are open and transparent and US based.

[@angiewheeler4768]

It would be wonderful to feature these artisans at a Moroccan art museum and get them connected with people who could help them with that they need. I wish them so much success. As someone who loves the art, I truly appreciate these artisans. What they do is beautiful!

[@johnpartridge7623]

There are too many unscrupulous People who willing rip-off the Weavers & that is a real shame because these Women rely on sales of the Rugs so much.

[@yasminflower5140]

I hope they will find someone to help them

[@Elkhechafi]

that's a great idea, and nice update, morocco created a "Made In Morocco" brand to promote the artisanal creation, where the cooperatives now can contact the artisan office in each region, and the artisan office will take in charge everything from the authentication, the marketing and the sell process, in order to help the rural artisans to have a competitive wages, unfortunately the majority of these artisans are illiterate, or at-least not comfortable in selling outside the local markets, that's why the middlemen are still a huge important part of the process, but it's changing.

[@EminemRoxxxxx1]

Was in Morocco for a month 2 weeks ago, got to see some of the artisans doing the work and visited a few cooperative stores. These rugs are by far the prettiest rugs I've seen. Persian rugs are beautiful, but the feel and comfort of Moroccan rugs is something else. Unfortunately I'm broke, but 1 day I'm definitely buying these!

[@Downbutup]

So authentic, no wonder why the rugs are too expensive, lots of women get involved with so much energy and smiles. Bringing home a rug like this is like bringing home all the joy of these beautiful, pure souls. I will buy one ❤️

[@jip230]

I visited Morocco last month and bought a rug from a cooperative in the Atlas mountains. It's so beautiful that I have framed the rug and I am hanging it on the wall. It's too beautiful to put on any floor : ). I hope these artisans can continue their craft for many years to come and that they are fairly compensated in each deal

[@watashiwahajar697]

Hi dear! can I know how did you go there? I am Moroccan but lives far from that region but I want to visit and buy one directly from the artisans

[@salmajamai7654]

Hello both, Me too i want to buy directly from the co-operative, if you know how, could you please tell me as well,thanks!!

[@jip230]

@@watashiwahajar697 it was with a tour from a company called Intrepid

[@alhamdulillah23x]

@@watashiwahajar697 there is two webs that i know one is "the anou" and the other is "atlasartrug'

[@watashiwahajar697]

@@alhamdulillah23x Thank you dear! I contacted them and will place an order soon inshalah

[@lahsini2818]

My mom and sisters all made these rugs. Hard work. They made them just for the family and rarely sold them. Just watching them as i kid i think i remember how it's done. God bless every Moroccan woman who supported their families through this amazing craft

[@jamrock9417]

Morocco! New fav country thanks to the World Cup!

[@GhostShield2]

Thanks bro 👍🙏🙏

[@Hana-wr4rg]

💗💗👏

[@helloanouteam4676]

😃

[@maromorostar6621]

Your welcome to Morocco 🇲🇦☀️🦁🏝️

[@Zakingcobra24]

Dima Maghrab. You are welcome to Morocco and u could come to my grandmas house and eat some tagin or that bussin Bastila.

[@lifeonthelo]

It’s amazing how similar our cultures are! In Oaxaca, we do almost the exact same thing. Awareness makes people appreciate the artisan’s process and final work. In Oaxaca, before the loom was I traduced, it is also women who have carried out this work. Sending much from one indigenous woman to all the beautiful artisan women of Morocco.

[@Markone99]

The North African and Latin worlds are extremely similar, both in cultures and climates! As a Moroccan, I feel like I can live in any latin country and feel right at home 😁 much love to you ✌️

[@ilhamemoon364]

@@Markone99 same lol we even look the same

[@yassineabdelwahed7342]

Now you can see how the process of making a Moroccan rug is sooo long and hard that's really need a lot of patience, I huge respect to our mums and grandmothers who support a lot of hard work. I'm really proud of my culture and traditions as a Moroccan 🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦

[@danielle_4.34]

Yes, it's so respectable! Lots of love and honour to all the moms and sisters doing this. May God shine His light in their lovely hearts through the Massieh that He send. Specially loved seeing all the sheep and goats too.

[@robertkiehn7459]

A lot of these videos take the time to highlight artisan co-ops and it's heartening to see labourers getting organized and getting their due.

[@bushrasaid195]

OMG this triggered so many childhood memories I remember every step of the process and how everyday after lunch all the neighbors women would gather at our house and start working they even thought me how to tie the knots 🥺🥺🥺 It was an occasion to get together gossip with the background amazigh music playing ( oudaden imaghran hamid inerzaf) it was a therapeutic practice that was my highlight of the holidays I spend back home 😍😍 Thank you for reminding me of those most treasured memories

[@salmajamai7654]

🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@ShirotheDog99]

I will visit Morocco some day to buy these rugs!

[@Atl0siy]

You're welcome anytime ❤AtlasArtRug offer free shipping

[@hamzad1713]

Buy it from cooperatives like this don't buy it from bazars

[@Sleeplessmclean]

So will I, and go directly to them and pay them a very fair price and more.

[@mrabdo4390]

Welcome

[@fatimasalma6945]

Welcome❤❤

[@saiidtte5372]

Oh This's my hometown !!!! . my mom used to create it

[@salmajamai7654]

Hello Said, please do you know how i can buy directly from them ? Or from your mom as well,

[@saiidtte5372]

@@salmajamai7654 currently I don't know. I have to travel there in order to know or ask around. the best thing you can do is to travel there ( Tazenakhte Ouarzatate ) where you can find women's association

[@youssefnaich]

The Moroccan culture is full of beautiful art.

[@viralviral8369]

true👍

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

True.

[@criminl13]

It is

[@streetsidestudios3151]

They are not moroccans but berbers. They are a tribe who actually lived there a long time before the Arab moroccans came to spread Islam.

[@AdamAzzr]

@@streetsidestudios3151 The berbers founded Morocco d/mbo. The berbers created islamic empires in Morocco. Low IQ

[@watashiwahajar697]

I would happily pay more than 3k to the cooperative directly. these people deserve every penny

[@mohammedlaamouri]

pay me 1k i will go to those people and i will build them a website for free and they will sent you two rugs for free if ou help them , this way everybody wins , what ou think?

[@massinag]

@@mohammedlaamouri if you get 1k its not for free anymore hhh good luck brother !

[@lectroeel6290]

As a Moroccan, this video was heartwarming. I remember me being young and seeing my grandmother actually sew these beautiful rugs. She didn't sell them, just made smaller rugs to put around as decoration. I felt cool nit needing the subtitles to understand the women in the video (idk why lol). Although I'm not from this particular region of Morocco. I have visited it.

[@zohirislam3896]

Thank you for knowing the value of the Amazigh product, because my grandmother raised us with this beautiful craft

[@oudiboudib3563]

As Moroccan, when i was young my mother used to make theses rugs, and her eyes were always glowing, when she tells us about how she made rugs. i can feel how proud she is with her handcraft

[@Lostnoodels]

I like how Morocco is on the spotlight now, so they can feel pressured to make some necessary changes to help people like this.

[@presterjohn1697]

The maghreb is one of the most fascinating places on earth.

[@FF-zh6qo]

Thks

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Yes. It is.

[@walterroux291]

Get one of the younger generation who doesn't want to do that line of work, but has better literacy and pc skills to become a social media manager and marketer so you can avoid the middlemen and contact clients directly. I'm sure people would cherish the rug even more if they had actual contact with the original artisans who made it.

[@karima62powell1]

Having spent a good few years living in the Atlas Mountains and have friends who make rugs, this is a lovely video highlighting the need to support these cooperatives directly.

[@Free-sm8qc]

This type of labor should be admired and appreciated, this rug is basically in the category of “Bio” in interior design world.❤

[@kishascape]

Yeah enough repetitive brain dead NPC comments. Let’s talk about how it looks like forbidden spaghetti when it comes out.

[@MariaNI-yf1bz]

True..I have bought a moroccan rug 5 years ago and still enjoy it till this day❤️❤️

[@houssineatm7827]

@@kishascape looks very pretty

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤

[@taotzu1339]

I bought an authentic Moroccan rug for about $100 a couple years back on eBay. There was a tag on it that said 'Made in Mexico'. The seller told me it was made by Moroccans living in Mexico. Whew, I'm glad I got that cleared up.😁

[@helloanouteam4676]

😅

[@hikari69]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 bro wtf

[@piko65]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@youssefaithamadouaissa2216]

bruh, you got scammed, that def not Moroccan lmao

[@nicolasnelson7752]

I was on Morocco a couple months ago and got show some rugs just like these. There amazing, I just wish I could afford one.

[@shwetavaidya07]

I too am a crochet artist and starting with making wool and then is just another level of hard work! Any kind of yarn work is so satisfying!

[@TheVVildHunt]

I clicked the thumbnail because when I saw the thumbnail + "Moroccan" I thought it was going to be a video on Moroccan pasta like "Word" this video going to be bomb. Woops guess that rug looks really tasty.

[@dijahslife]

I thought it was spaghetti too !! Lol

[@ayoub1606]

Im moroccan Amazigh, please everyone who want to buy rugs, to buy it in the Atlas Mountains to help this Amazigh womens and to see the beautiful view of Atlas Mountains and the hospitality of Amazigh people ❤️

[@watchdealer11]

I have a nice collection of rugs...Will have to add a Moroccan rug to my collection! I love the tribal designs.

[@sactownism]

We need someone to help these artisans sell directly to consumers cutting out the midddle men.

[@helloanouteam4676]

Check out The Anou Cooperative. It's referenced in the video.

[@DSweashox]

Hey I'm from Morocco, middle men in Marrakech are scammers, check the contacts of a "cooperative" or a "women association" and say clearly you want to buy but NOT with the price they provide you in the city. You are guaranteed to buy an authentic hand made rug with a very very reasonable price compared to the city, and you would have helped a woman buy groceries for a month.

[@susandavis2220]

@@helloanouteam4676 I didn't see the reference and thought of you often during it, and commented here about you after. Glad you're involved here, but you need to be more clearly described in the video. Know you didn't make it, but....

[@ghitaderraz9101]

I'm from Morocco even though I don't live in their region I'd love to volunteer to help them set an Etsy store and allow people from all over the world access to their beautiful work.

[@proxiona3876]

I'm from Khenifra, Morocco, here located the biggest handmade rug old shop in morocco.

[@ayeshaclassesgk]

Sir❤️I love watching your content every time I see one of your videos I know I got to put it it just fills me up with joy!!

[@mohamedamhaouch836]

I've got a huge appreciation to these beautiful women. Once upon a time, my mother and grandmother used to weave masterpieces like these, I used to watch them go through the whole process to bring such beautiful pieces of art into existence. This video took me back in time. Well done 👍

[@BOSS-gu9bn]

9:51 that a historical. Monument called "Kasbaht tawrirt" in my city ouarzazate in the south

[@SamieVisual]

First Insider Business video that touched my heart, because of my passed away grandmother used to make theses rugs, as gifts to her family and friends... Thank you for this video

[@nerd26373]

These Morrocan rugs are made with the best quality materials, which explains the price tag.

[@N0Xa880iUL]

Chatgpt? No offence just too generic.

[@prettypenny2353]

A stupid statement to say the least.

[@hamzad1713]

This is art and they are a real artisans They have the right to put any price they want on this masterpiece

[@axelife]

That's what I love in my amazigh ancestors all the way from ashdoud Israel 🇲🇦🇮🇱

[@piko65]

You are moroccan bro welcome to your contry whit your moroccans brothers 🇲🇦

[@leavemealone3198]

❤❤❤❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

@@leavemealone3198 ❤❤❤❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

amazing

[@businesshub66]

Ohh it's so unique traditional way to make those rugs by hand made they deserved to get right price

[@saidaitelhadj1896]

This video is a very great opportunity to those ladies that make the rugs to shine and help them get their fair share of the money that those rugs are sold for, considering my mom is also a rug maker, i can feel the time, materials and hard work thag is put in the making of one of those rugs. A special thanks to all the woman in morocco that STILL make these kind of rugs (Zerbia).

[@soufiyanallali6208]

My mum always makes them up but not for sell.. it's like a passion for her and all Moroccan women 🇲🇦

[@hustlwal]

woow Morocco is just an amazing country🇲🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Muzan-]

As an Amazigh, This Video is heart-touching. the emotions through her words is truly heart-touching. I love business insider and their unique perspective and I appreciate you sharing it with the world and visiting morocco again. Thank you for creating such a powerful and meaningful video.

[@redcarpet413]

My mother used to make rugs like this

[@PakaBubi]

I would love to buy a rag directly from these ladies to make sure they get a decent money for their hard work

[@zizouyoussef7944]

I'm from Morocco ..and proud to see that

[@urculture-7284]

The beautiful thing about Moroccan culture is that it is diverse and endless, in addition to the permanent adherence of its people to their culture. Whether in the way he works, in his life, in his food and clothing... Despite all that happened to them from colonialism, culture remained the structure of the Kingdom of Morocco.

[@moroccanizer]

I had been supporting these artisans for the past 7 years, by buying their rugs and selling them in europe and north america.

[@bihmoouch7977]

ممكن تتعامل معانا من فضلك

[@weskarp2259]

I have allot of respect for these ladies who work amazing and work very had to make a beautiful piece of art.

[@n_adoui]

my grandma, from morocco as well, used to make these when she was younger. One time she made me a blanket (similar technic to a rug), but at the time i did not understand the value of it !

[@ghitaronda9109]

Proud of my fellow Moroccan women ❤️

[@alfredchipembele8591]

I am watching this video after the devastating earthquake in Morocco early this month. And my heart went out to these women. Praying that they and their families are well to continue serving society. Such a humble people.

[@adamcain4603]

If I had the ability I would get these woman exposure and a way to sell these worldwide. The skill these woman have is unreal and it has to be back breaking do that job. The rugs are beautiful!

[@azraq5]

Interesting video as usual 👍 Another facet of the very rich Moroccan craftsmanship 🇲🇦🥰

[@nadiamir5881]

These women are really true artists ❤🙌

[@GhostShield2]

Thanks BI for the highlight for the rug moroccan making tradition

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

👍

[@patrozette6211]

This is so fascinating to see how the rugs are made.

[@oussamanagda3737]

Bothy Grand mothers used to make rugs, they are from different tribes far from each other, one in the Sahara and one in nothern Morocco. it's amazing to see how designs differentiate from tribe to tribe. same old wooden tools different stories. ♥️ I still have some of their rugs and covers that I use till today. ♥️♥️💖

[@YoussefAlaoui]

How amazing! I love my lovely Morocco 🇲🇦 ❤️

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤

[@user-kp2ov1gm4w]

Every Hand Knotted Carpet is expensive whether it is made in India, Turkey, Iran, Morocco or any other country. It takes time to complete the whole carpet.

[@jas01432]

Obviously

[@boohoo4248]

Indeed

[@TheMaure]

Yes but each country has its own rug... so why imitating the Moroccan ones...

[@marwamer3642]

Duh

[@homer1273]

they are made with machines not by hand

[@randielurbay9221]

why ia there no link to them so i can buy one from them directly?!

[@atomicgeisha]

I mother has two handmade persion rugs and I told her I hope inherited them.

[@hamamabydaa3629]

تبارك الله على صناعة بلادي الله يحفظك يا مغرب 🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦

[@tomcav]

This series is underrated

[@user-lzwj]

Amazing documentary

[@MistressOnyaCox]

Why do Moroccan weavers need a middle man? somebody make them an etsy website already!!!!

[@stern_noon]

entrepreneurs should look into this especially the ones in rugs industry

[@leisongivangomo4478]

Beautiful craftswomanship!😊

[@johnreynolds5407]

Excellent presentation.

[@thekeith-donovanexperience]

Beautiful. I’ll take 3!

[@theunclejesusshow8260]

Nice work cuzinz 🌠🏵🧙‍♂️👍

[@kariharris7006]

Wish I could help them set up a website or list their rugs on eBay directly. Their rugs are amazing.

[@Atl0siy]

AtlasArtRug offer free shipping ❤💚

[@bihmoouch7977]

@@Atl0siy نحن تعاونية نسائية من الاطلس نصنع كل انواع السجاد ما يمكن مساعدتنا في التسوق

[@kimozean]

because it’s handmade with passion and love❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤

[@NabilKaali]

Amazing designs!

[@assameayoub6857]

Morocco has a very rich culture

[@piko65]

Thank you for this vedio about my contry 🇲🇦❤️

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤

[@elhakimyelarbi]

Remember me i my grandmother, i sew it when i was young making ZERBYA, اللهم اغفر لها وارحمها.

[@azraq5]

امين 🤲

[@PLuMUK54]

What is needed is for an educated woman in a Moroccan city to deal with the business side for the cooperative.

[@karimkadiri468]

Amazigh morocco 💙💚💛 🇲🇦

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Amazing Morocco.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤❤❤

[@shariyarshajid]

AMAZING🥰

[@emansalam]

Amazing 👏

[@khadijaboyd6200]

Love rugs from Ouaouazight. Khadija

[@tangqiyealexander2825]

Starting with your family members over dinner discussions can turn this into a thriving entrepreneurial business

[@ShirotheDog99]

How beautiful they are 💙💚💛🧡❤️💜💗

[@clintcountryman4849]

Love the mosaic one

[@ShirotheDog99]

Rugs are so beautiful 💜

[@ilhambakhti1345]

Marvelous!

[@jrkc9218]

Hey insider, how do we contact or help these women? Their talents deserve the profits, for future education of women and support of hard work, entrepreneurs, and creativity.

[@helloanouteam4676]

Check out The Anou Cooperative. It is referenced in the video.

[@islamicstoriesforkids454]

Wonderful 👍

[@tortiz98]

I thought that was my g mas beef spaghetti in the thumbnail 👀

[@TheSunni7861]

WOW THIS IS GRATE

[@stern_noon]

they're so beautiful ❤️

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

❤

[@abdallahgeo7366]

That's Morocco baby 💖

[@vlog8]

good Morning my friend, Subhanallah, is amazing

[@alinahavlishyna2389]

Amazing