Vintage Berber Kilim Rug – Handwoven Wool Tree of Life Tapestry

Invite folk-art warmth into your space with this hand-woven Berber kilim featuring a stylized Authentic Navajo Tree of Life Rug bursting with birds and framed by a red serrated border. Woven in thick, rustic wool, this piece reads beautifully as a wall hanging or a small accent rug and dates to the late 20th century.


Weaving tradition & structure
This is a flat-weave kilim executed in slit-tapestry (weft-faced) technique typical of the High/ Middle Atlas Berber weaving centers of Morocco (often sold under Taznakht/Zemmour styles). There is no knotted pile; colored wefts create the pattern and leave tiny vertical slits where color areas meet—clearly visible in the close-ups.

Knot type
Not applicable—flat-weave, not knotted (so neither Ghiordes nor asymmetrical knots are present).

Regional origin
The layout—central tree flanked by stacked birds, strong serrated red inner border, wide plain brown end panels with braided corner ties, undyed ivory ground, and thick, softly-spun wool—points to Moroccan Berber kilims made for domestic use and later popularized for export in the 1970s–90s.

Age
Wool sheen, even color with very light mellowing, intact braided corners, and the aniline-bright reds and blues suggest circa 1970s–1980s.

Maker’s marks
No signature; the braided corner cords and the wide end bands are distinctive Moroccan finishing details.

Materials & handle

Wool on wool: hand-spun, variegated, medium-thick yarns.

Natural undyed ivory and brown combined with aniline-dyed red, blue, teal, orange, plum, and leaf-green.

Firm, pliable handle; thickness ~ 4–5 mm.

Motifs & symbolism

Tree of Life rising up the center symbolizes vitality, continuity, and blessing.

Pairs of birds perched along the branches embody harmony, springtime, and good fortune; a favorite Berber folk motif.

The red serrated/flame border is a protective motif believed to ward off harm and energize the composition.

Minimal outer border; the design reads like a tapestry vignette—ideal for vertical display.

Features:

Exact size: 100 cm x 71 cm (approx. 3’3” x 2’4”)

Weave: Hand-woven slit-tapestry kilim, wool wefts on wool warps

Knot density : Not applicable (flat-weave). Weft count visually reads as medium—made for durability rather than high thread counts.

Thickness: ~4–5 mm

Age: c. 1970s–1980s

Condition : Very good vintage. Edges straight with gentle, natural waviness typical of handweaves; minor age toning to the ivory; end panels sound with original braided corner cords present. No holes, tears, or noticeable repairs. Ready to use or hang.

Time investment :
A kilim of this size and motif density typically represents 2–3 weeks of loom time for an experienced village weaver, excluding wool preparation and finishing.

Authentic Moroccan Berber flat-weave

Charming Tree of Life & Birds folk-art composition

Soft, naturally variegated wool with lively, saturated colors

Versatile: floor accent, tapestry wall hanging, or layered over a larger rug

Lightweight and easy to hang

Styling Ideas

Perfect for boho, Scandi-folk, mid-century eclectic, nursery or kids’ rooms, reading nooks, hallways, or to animate a gallery wall as a textile artwork. The neutral ivory/brown base grounds the brighter bird colors beautifully.

Care Instructions

Vacuum weekly on low suction (no beater bar).

Rotate every few months for even wear and fade.

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

For deep cleaning, use a professional rug washer experienced with flat-weaves.

If hanging, use a sleeve or Velcro-strip on a slat to distribute weight evenly.



This joyful Tree-of-Life kilim brings story, craft, and color to any room. If you’d like me to add a hidden sleeve for easy wall mounting, or want more photos/video in natural light, just ask—happy to help you make it yours!