Berber Wedding Blanket
Berber wedding photo at a Wedding blanket stall in Marrakesh.
Baby its cold outside! And in my little loft bedroom I need more than one duvet and layers of blankets to stay warm. My most favourite blanket of the moment is one I picked up on my trip to Marrakesh- it is a white and silver Morrocan Berber wedding blanket handwoven in sheep wool, soft cotton and linen. It has intricate fringing and silver sequins threaded into an elaborate zig-zag pattern. At night the sequins make a jingling noise when I move and during the day the sun hits the sequins making mirror ball style reflections all over my bedroom. And while I call this a blanket- the Moroccan or Berber wedding blanket it is called ‘Handiras’ in Arabic or ‘Tamizart’ in the Berber language and are produced as capes for their brides.
The history of a Berber Wedding Blanket
This white wedding blanket was on my wishlist before venturing to Morocco but it wasn’t until I started searching for one that I realised the unbelievable variety of blankets available- all in different sizes, weaves and sequin patterns. A little research into the blanket and I found out that this particular style is from the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. They are made in preparation for a wedding and the making of the blanket is done years before the wedding and are created to be part of a bride’s dowry. These textiles are made by the bride’s female relatives and also by the bride herself. The Berbers see this as a symbolic journey, a rite of passage and they weave into the blanket blessings and protection from evil spirits. The decoration has talismanic symbols woven into it and the sequins are seen to ware off the evil eye and to protect. Some also believe that they make you lucky in love- something sure to sell them by the dozen! Once complete the bride wears the cape on the journey to her ceremony which, as the Berber’s live high in the Atlas mountains can be a chilly journey as she makes her way to the ceremony traditionally on the back of a mule. After the wedding this glimmering, sequin embellished white cape is draped over the bride’s shoulders. It serves a decorative purpose and bestows good luck and fertility upon the newlyweds.
Berber Wedding blanket stall on Rahba Lakdima, Marrakesh Medina.
Where to buy a Wedding Blanket in Marrakesh?
As I mentioned above if you are looking to buy a Berber wedding blanket on a trip to Marrakesh prepare to be mesmerised- these sequin embellished beauties come in so many different varieties and the Souk sellers will blind you will an unearthly selection, each as glittering and seductive as the next one. So how do you streamline your choice? Decide what you you want before you go! I know that sounds very simplistic but what I mean is decide on the type and where you would like to use this textile before you set foot in the Souks. Do you want a particular cream colour would you prefer lots of fringing or is it, as is was for me, all about those glittering sequins. Jot down these pointers and go forth and find your Berber wedding blanket. I’ve outlined the place I bought my blanket below and some online sources too for online aficionados; and if you do happen to buy one I’m hoping yours brings you all the magical spiritual benefits the Berbers say they weave into each one.
Bazar Chichaoua (Very close to the Djemaa el–Fna)
Souiket Lekssour No 57, Jamaa Fna, Marrakesh.
Bazarchicchaoua@gmail.com
Can’t get to Marrakesh but would love a wedding blanket? Why not try Maryam Montague of Peacock Pavilions she has brought the best of the Souk to her online store and she also has a marvellous blog called My Marrakesh which is worth browsing too.
Etsy also have a wonderful offering of blankets here.
Berber Wedding blanket stall on Rahba Lakdima, Marrakesh Medina.
Detail from my Berber Wedding blanket with sun hitting the sequins.
All photos by Ruth on Canon EOS 600D.