How to Barter and Buy a Berber Carpet in Morocco
Who Are the Berber (Amazigh) People?
Before I get into how to purchase a Berber carpet in Morocco, I feel like I need to take a few moments to tell you about the Berber people. The term “Berber” is sort of controversial as it means “Barbarian.” During my visit to a Berber Village, our guide told me that despite the controversy about the use of the word Berber, it is still the correct term to use.
The Berber people—also known as the Amazigh people—have lived in Northern Africa since the beginning of time, long predating the arrival of Arabs. Throughout their history, the Berbers have excelled at farming in the harsh Northern African Climate. There are millions of Berbers in Morocco—some estimates say around 20 million—and several million in Algeria. The Berber people have their own language, culture, and flag. Today, most Berbers follow the religion of Islam.
How to Purchase a Berber Carpet in Morocco - Table of Contents
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How to Visit a Berber Village in Morocco
There are many Berber villages that tourists can visit in Morocco. During my December 2022 trip to Marrakech, Morocco, I took a three-day tour of the Sahara Desert. One of the stops on our tour was a Berber Village near Ouarzazate, Morocco.
Our tour group was met by a local Berber who took us on a tour of his village. He requested that we not take any photographs in his village, so I don’t have any village photos to post on this page.
After touring the village, we had the opportunity to learn about Berber carpets and Amazigh rugs. Our guide explained that the carpets were for sale, but we shouldn’t feel obligated to buy a Berber carpet unless we wanted one. I wish someone would have explained the process of how to buy a Berber carpet before my visit. If I had known more about buying a Berber rug in Morocco, it would have made the process much easier.
How Berber Carpets are Made
Our guide explained that Berber carpets are made as a hobby by Berber women. A Berber woman typically works on making carpets for one to two hours per day. To complete a complicated carpet, it can take three to six months.
Materials Used in Authentic Moroccan Rugs
Berber carpets are all handmade, with local wool from the Berber’s sheep and camels. Our guide explained that many of the carpets are made with a blueprint or pattern and are the unique designs of the creator of the carpet.
How to Spot Fake Berber Carpets
We were warned by our guide about fake Berber carpets that are frequently found in the markets nearby. Many of these carpets are machine-made, sometimes in other countries such as China. Our guide told us that if there was fringe on both ends, it was probably not handmade, though I later learned this isn’t always a perfect test. This is just one of the possible ways to distinguish authentic Moroccan rugs from mass-produced ones.
We were also told that Berber carpets are indestructible and that animals such as cats and dogs are unable to damage them. I assumed this was a sales ploy, especially when he said that even a tiger would not destroy the carpet.
After learning how the carpets were made, we had a chance to look at a variety of carpets in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. I was amazed by the detail that went into making these works of art and decided I wanted to purchase one.
I carefully examined each of the carpets and eventually decided which carpet I wanted to purchase.
Purchasing a Berber Carpet – How to Barter in Morocco
There are no prices on Berber carpets, and the price is decided through bartering. For many people, bartering can be an uncomfortable experience, but the Berbers view it more like a game to see who will give in first. Learning how to barter in Morocco is especially helpful when purchasing something valuable like a Berber carpet.
Before I visited the Berber village, I was not planning on buying a Berber carpet. Had I planned on buying one, I would have done some research on the going price.
Typical Prices for Berber Carpets
The carpet I chose to purchase is the one in the photo below. Once I told our guide that I was interested in purchasing the carpet, he told me to go into the office with one of the Berber elders. The Berber elder told me that the carpet would cost $1200 and that I could pay with cash or credit. I told him that $1200 was way out of my price range and that I was hoping to only spend $100 to $200.
He lowered the price of the Berber carpet to $600, and I still said that was way out of my price range. I asked to see some carpets that would cost $200 or less. He said that I should make a reasonable offer, and I told him that the very most I could spend was $300.
He thought about it for a minute, said $400, and held out his hand. I said no, I couldn’t afford to spend that much money, and he replied that $400 was the best he could do.
I said that although it was a beautiful Berber carpet, I had to pass, as I couldn’t afford $400. Upon hearing that, he quickly agreed to $300. I paid by credit card, the price of 3,000 Moroccan Dirhams, which actually came out to $280.
Tips for Buying a Berber Rug in Morocco
I am still not sure if I got a good deal on my Berber carpet. Another member of our tour group bought a similar carpet for $200. As I think back on it, the best advice I can give when buying a Berber carpet is to think of how much you are willing to pay and stick to that amount. I was happy with my purchase and felt that $300 was a fair price.
Transporting Your Berber Carpet Home
I was given the option of shipping my carpet home for an additional $50 or having it wrapped up tightly in plastic.
Shipping vs. Carrying Your Carpet
After considering both options, I chose to have it wrapped in plastic. Our guide not only wrapped it tightly but also taped a handle to the top of the rolled-up carpet.
Berber Carpet Photos
The photos below show some of the other carpets that were for sale.
Moroccan Tours that Include a Visit to a Berber Village
I visited a Berber Village on my way to Merzouga to tour the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Moroccan Sahara. Below, I have listed multiple tours that include a visit to a Berber Village. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.