Moroccan Pictorial Kilim: Hand-Woven Wool Kasbah & Tree of Life Tapestry

Woven by a rural craftswoman in southern Morocco, this charming pictorial kilim tells a desert story in soft, undyed shades of wool. Camels, a herder, a young goat, a branching “tree of life,” and kasbah towers line the horizon—an oasis scene that brings warmth and quiet movement to any room. Lightweight yet sturdy, it hangs beautifully as art or lays flat as a floor accent.


Weaving tradition & structure
This is a hand-woven flatweave kilim (weft-faced tapestry). Color areas meet with classic slit-weave joins; you can see the tiny vertical slits between color blocks in the close-ups. The short ends finish with simple braided/twined fringe; the long edges are selvedged and slightly rounded—typical of village looms.

Knot type :
Not knotted—there is no pile; therefore no Ghiordes/Senneh knots.

Regional origin:
Motifs and palette point strongly to southern Moroccan (Ouarzazate/Taznakht) pictorial kilims. The kasbah-like towers with stepped tops and projecting beams, the camel and shepherd narrative, and the restrained, natural sheep-wool browns are hallmark features of this area’s 20th-century tapestry work.

Estimated age:
Late 20th century (c. 1975–1995). The yarn twist, even warps, and the creamy cotton fringe suggest post-1970 village production; the wool shows light age mellowing but no oxidation or brittle feel.

Distinctive characteristics:
– Kasbah/fortified-village towers with projecting “toron” beams, a Southern Atlas signature pictorial theme.
– Camel and kid goat flanking a shepherd figure; oasis “tree of life” at right rendered with almond-shaped leaves.
– Ground tufts at both ends give a sense of desert grasses—another regional storytelling device.

Pile, handle & density:
Flat, tapestry handle with supple drape. Approx. 18–22 weft rows per inch (70–85 per 10 cm) judging from macro photos—typical medium tapestry density.

Materials:
Hand-spun wool weft in undyed and minimally dyed browns, fawn and cream; cotton warp (the bright white fringe indicates cotton). Dyes appear largely natural/undyed; the darkest chocolate may be minimally dyed wool.

Motifs & cultural meaning :
– Camels & herder: nomadic livelihood, travel, endurance.
– Kasbah towers: homeland and protection.
– Tree of Life: branching prosperity and continuity; the almond-leaf rendering is common in southern Moroccan pictorial pieces.
– Goat/kid: fertility and everyday pastoral life.
The field is borderless—a favored Moroccan layout that reads like a landscape painting.

Condition :
Very good vintage condition. Even surface with minor waviness from loom tension, light age toning to the background, a few small weft shifts and tiny slit-weave separations typical for this construction (stable). One or two short tassel losses and a single lighter replacement tassel noted—see photos. Clean, odor-free, and ready to enjoy.

Features:

Type: Hand-woven kilim (flatweave tapestry)

Origin: Southern Morocco, Ouarzazate/Taznakht region

Age: ca. 1975–1995

Size: 134 cm x 70 cm (approx. 4’4” x 2’3”)

Pile: None (flatweave)

Warp / Weft: Cotton warp / Wool weft

Weave density: ~18–22 weft rows per inch (70–85 per 10 cm)

Colors: Natural undyed cream, fawn, camel, umber, chocolate; subtle melange from hand-spun wool

Time to weave: roughly 1–2 weeks on a village loom for an experienced weaver

Authentic Moroccan pictorial kilim with oasis narrative (camel, kasbah & tree of life)

Neutral, undyed palette pairs with modern, rustic or boho interiors

Versatile: hang as textile art or use as a floor accent, bench cover, or layered rug

Lightweight & reversible with beautiful hand-spun texture

Carefully inspected, lightly hand-cleaned, and ready to style

Care Instructions

Vacuum on low suction without a beater bar; vacuum both sides occasionally.

For spills: blot (don’t rub) with a clean white cloth; follow with a little cool water and blot dry.

Professional cleaning by a rug specialist recommended when needed (avoid dry cleaners).

Use a rug pad to prevent slippage and to support the weave if used on the floor.

When hanging, support across the width (Velcro/tape sleeve or a clamp bar) to avoid stress on warps.

Bring home a hand-woven story. This gentle desert scene adds soul and texture without shouting—an heirloom-quality textile you’ll enjoy for years. Questions or want additional photos for styling? I’m happy to help!