Vintage Berber Kilim Runner: Black Wool Margoum Rug, Tribal Symbols (91x48 cm)

Hand-woven in southern Tunisia in the Margoum (also spelled Mergoum) tradition, this compact flat-weave glows on a deep black ground with crisp red, ivory, ochre and forest-green symbols. The compartmented layout—panels separated by small diamond guard bands—packs classic North-African talismanic motifs into a small, versatile size that works as a narrow entry rug, bench/console runner or striking wall hanging.

Weaving tradition & structure.
The photos show a flat-woven Margoum construction: tightly packed wool wefts form the design by weft substitution (no cut pile). Edges are straight tapestry selvedges; the ivory fringe reveals cotton warps typical of Margoum workshops around Oudref/Gabès–Kasserine in southern Tunisia. The pixelated, saw-tooth outlines of the motifs, the narrow multi-color diamond border, and the black field are all hallmarks of this regional weave.

Knot type.
Not applicable—this is a flat-weave (kilim), not a knotted pile rug (so there is no Turkish/Senneh knot to identify).

Origin & date.
Motif vocabulary (hooked diamonds, hourglasses, ram’s horns, comb/ladder forms) and the Margoum technique point to southern Tunisia. Colors are saturated and even, the cotton fringe is intact, and wear is minimal—consistent with a late 20th-century piece, c. 1980s–1990s.

Materials.

Wefts (design): fine, springy sheep’s wool

Warps: cotton (visible as white fringe)

Dyes: a mix of traditional and later synthetic dyes typical of the period; tones are fast and stable with no bleeding visible in the close-ups.

Pile height & handle.
As a flat-weave, it has no pile; thickness is about 3–4 mm, with a pleasantly firm, supple handle from the dense wefting.

Motifs & cultural context.
You’ll see:

Hooked lozenges & stars – protection and the “eye” motif against misfortune

Ram’s horn / X motifs – vitality, strength, and fertility

Comb/ladder forms – domestic blessing and the path of life

Amuletic crosses and small diamonds – warding symbols scattered in the field
The design is arranged in banded panels—a Margoum signature—so talismanic motifs are repeated rhythmically across the rug. The outer border, a tiny harlequin of multicolor diamonds, echoes the protective theme and neatly frames the black field.

Condition (honest assessment).
Very good vintage condition: straight sides and ends, fringes sound; light, age-appropriate fuzzing to the black ground and a few scattered yarn flecks seen in the macro photos—no holes, stains, or repairs noted.

Features

Type: Margoum / North-African kilim (flat-weave, weft-substitution)

Origin: Southern Tunisia (Oudref/Gabès – Kasserine line)

Circa: 1980s–1990s

Size: 91 cm x 48 cm (3.0’ x 1.6’)

Warp: Cotton (natural/ivory)

Weft (face): Hand-spun/hand-dyed wool

Thickness: ~3–4 mm (no pile)

Knot density: Not applicable for flat-weaves; weave is fine and firm

Colors: Black ground with ivory, red, ochre, sage/forest green, and soft grey accents

Condition: Very good vintage; clean and ready to use

Time to weave: For a weaver working on a narrow loom, a piece of this density typically requires 1–2 weeks of weaving time, not counting dyeing and finishing.

Authentic Margoum craftsmanship with crisp, talismanic symbols

Versatile size for entryways, galley kitchens, bedside, studio, or as a wall hanging

Lightweight yet durable wool on cotton construction

Deep black ground that makes the colors pop and anchors modern or traditional spaces

Ethically sourced vintage textile with cultural significance

Care Instructions (flat-weave friendly)

Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate every few months for even wear and sun exposure.

Spot clean with cool water and a small amount of wool-safe soap; blot, don’t rub.

For a full wash, use a professional rug cleaner experienced with flat-weaves.

Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and reduce stress on the fibers.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the dark ground color.

If this piece speaks to you, add it to cart with confidence—authentic, hand-woven, and professionally vetted. I’m happy to answer questions or provide additional photos on request.