Lhruz

Handwoven authentic Moroccan flatweave rug

These rugs feature a lexicon of symbols commonly used in Moroccan rug weaving. According to one source, lhruz is said to mean amulet, and refers to the trio of diamond shapes which resemble a jewelry chain, emerging from the central medallion rectangles.

In certain markets, you'll often hear this material described as sabra silk or cactus silk, for its silk-like sheen and hand. The sabra is a cactus, someone will explain to you; thus it's made of vegetable silk. But don't be fooled: it doesn't come from the sabra cactus, and it isn't technically silk (though it is silken to the touch). It's made of viscose, which is extremely soft and durable, and beloved for its pleasing drape and ease in dying. Technically, viscose is indeed from vegetables, as it's a semi-synthetic plant material derived from cellulose, which is the main element in plant cell walls.

The artisans who wove this piece are a part of a 20-year old female-owned cooperative, created and managed by and for women weavers. After collecting the yarn from the local dyer and agreeing on the design, each weaver works on their looms at home in Oued Zem, not far from Khenifra. Once associated with Zayane tribes, Khenifra is a center for contemporary rug production.

• Dust and dirt that accumulate in your rug can erode the fibers over time. The best way to combat this is to take your rug outside and give it a good shake once a week. Depending on how large it is, you may need to recruit a friend to help. Also, be sure to get a rug pad—this helps to preserve your rug in spite of dirt.
• If shaking it out isn’t possible, you can vacuum it instead—just be cautious, and don’t use a rotary vacuum, because it can damage the fibers. Once or twice a month, use the suction attachment gently, from side to side. Once or twice a year, flip your rug over and vacuum the back.
• To ensure equal wear and protect against walk patterns, change your rug's direction periodically. You can also flip your rug upside-down once in awhile, and use it like that for a bit. With Moroccan rugs, the back is typically as nice as the front.
• In case of stain, use water and gentle soap to remove. Every 3-5 years, we recommend getting your rug professionally hand-washed with a rug expert. Please do not take it to get steam or dry cleaned—this will almost certainly damage the rug! Hand-washing requires the use of a pH-balanced shampoo, worked into the rug by hand with a soft-bristled brush, before being rinsed thoroughly. This process should be repeated a few times.