Magic Carpets, 1

Recently, a friend and I attended a large craft fair in which half the artisans sold rugs--beautiful hand made rugs. Tunisia has a long tradition in hand-woven rugs, ranging from simple designs from the South and isolated regions to sophisticated and elegant designs from the cities, especially Kairouan. 

At the top of my list, are the silk pile rugs--
breath-taking (and breath-taking prices as well).

What designs! Who would dare to walk on such beauty? 





















The premier choix wool rugs contain exquisite designs as well.






























I could have stared for hours and I'm thinking that I might start drawing some of these rugs in my sketchbook.





Then there are the flat-weave rugs, the Mergoums. These are rather standard designs. In my mind, the Mergoums are amazing because they stand up to wear for decades. They're easy to move and to clean as compared to pile rugs. 


But the work is back-breaking.







This one caught my eye with its exquisite work, small designs and interesting colors.

Among the rugs, one can occasionally find a traditional wedding veil: woven in a finer wool, the weaver can create more intricate designs. My friend took this beauty home for a Christmas present.














And then there was one booth with the traditional "chechia" hats. 

They begin as a knit circle and are felted and brushed into shape. Men still wear them in Tunisia and now there are different colors for women as well.

Ahh, but that's not the end...the best, or rather the most unusual, is yet to come!