Our story
We honor the timeless artistry of Morocco's master weavers, preserving their heritage for the modern home.
Ourtan Rugs was founded on a single, guiding principle from Mohamed Oubou: that every Amazigh rug is a story, and its weaver is an artist whose legacy must be honored.
Immersed in the vibrant culture of Morocco, Mohamed witnessed a heartbreaking disconnect. The craft was fading from the marketplace, and its keepersthe master artisanswere being denied the fair payment and respect they had earned by a network of intermediaries.
Driven to right this wrong, Mohamed personally travels deep into Morocco, from the lively souks to the remote villages of the majestic Atlas Mountains. His mission is to forge genuine partnerships built on fair trade and mutual respect. He works directly with the most talented weavers, guaranteeing their artistry is valued as it should be and their communities thrive.
Ourtan Rugs is the realization of this commitment. By creating a direct path from the loom to your living room, we are not just selling rugs; we are safeguarding a priceless cultural heritage.
From our home in Taroudant, Morocco, we invite you to join this mission. When you choose an Ourtan Rug, you’re not just buying a rugyou’re investing in a community, championing an artist, and protecting a beautiful and timeless tradition.
Our Goal
Ourtan Rugs was born to reconnect the world with the soul of Moroccan weaving: a timeless craft of beauty and heritage.
The art of Moroccan weaving is an ancient one, rich with history and profound symbolism. For generations, these rugs were more than decor; they were stories. Yet, with time and commercialization, much of their meaning was lost. At Ourtan Rugs, our goal is to change that. We believe the authentic narratives woven into each piece must be preserved and shared.
Our Responsibilities
At Ourtan Rugs, eco-conscious luxury means weaving with a deep respect for both the planet and its people.
Our first responsibility is to the art form itself to honor the rich heritage, intricate techniques, and profound symbolism woven into every thread. We see each rug as a priceless cultural document, a story told through ancestral customs that deserves to be preserved.
Our second, equally important responsibility, is to the keepers of this legacy: the skilled artisans. We are committed to championing their work, ensuring they receive the recognition and fair compensation that a global marketplace often denies them. This is our promise: to safeguard the craft and empower its creators.
Our Sourcing Process
Our sourcing is built on relationships, not transactions. We travel personally to the Atlas Mountains to sit with each artisan, listen to their stories, and build a partnership of trust. This direct connection ensures we honor both their narrative and their price.
1. Connections
We travel to the remote villages of the Atlas Mountains to meet the weavers in their own communities and learn about the art of their craft.
2. Selection
Each rug is hand-selected directly from the artisan who created it, ensuring every piece is a truly unique work of art.
3. Fair Price
We honor the price set by the artisan. We believe in fair compensation, not haggling. Their work is valued, always.
4. Our Studio
Each rug is brought to our Taroudant studio for a traditional, gentle cleaning. We then photograph it and share its unique story with you in our online store.