momo 4

Vintage Kharita Kilim - High Atlas (c. 1930–1950)

Dimensions: 6’9” x 9’6” (205 x 290 cms)

Handwoven in the Aït Ouaouzguite, Siroua Region, Southern High Atlas using soft local wool and natural dyes especially the deep indigos and warm saffron golds which give this piece a warm and dynamic presence. The slight wave to the edges and gentle fading in the light tones are typical of pre-1950 Siroua vegetable dyes.

The Kharita or “map” design represents the landscape of the Siroua Mountains. Triangular “mountain” groupings in multicolor rows are classic Aït Ouaouzguite visual language referencing terrain and tribal territories. The patchwork segmentation (distinct visual “zones”) represents fields, grazing lands, mountain slopes, and seasonal paths. The diagonal fish-scale/leaf-wing shapes are symbolic of winds, caravan movement, or migrating flocks. The dark navy field with tessellated diamonds represents a “night sky” or water field - often used as grounding section in Kharita compositions. This exact compositional format - multiple landscape panels stitched into one visual story – makes this a highly collectible example of the Taznakht/Siroua weaving tradition.