Meet the Artist: Naima
Welcome to our "Meet the Artist" series, where we take a deeper dive into the stories behind the beautiful rugs you see on our website. As part of our mission, we share the stories of the artisans who craft our rugs, hoping to provide a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved. Like all forms of art, understanding the artist - their life, inspirations, and creative process - enhances the beauty in each piece. We hope that these stories become a part of yours, accompanying each rug as it’s passed on to the next generation to create a meaningful heirloom with a deeper connection than a simple receipt.
Our first featured artist is Naima - a talented artisan from the Khemmiset region of Morocco; a rural village nestled between the imperial cities of Rabat and Meknes. Upon our arrival in her village, Naima, her family, and fellow artisans greeted us with warmth and hospitality. Laughter filled the air as children ran about, and the artisans eagerly shared their beautiful creations with us. During our visit, we were not just welcomed into their workshop but also into their community as we were invited to attend the wedding of a young couple in the village - a moment of true cultural immersion and connection.
Naima is a warm and spirited woman with a sharp wit—both cheeky and wry. A widow with two children, she never had the opportunity to attend school, but as a child, she immersed herself in the art of weaving under her mother’s guidance. As the manager of the co-op, Naima is deeply committed to both her craft and the prosperity of her artisan community. Her greatest priority as a mother is ensuring that her children receive an education, learning to read and write; every day, this is what inspires her work. When we text with Naima, it is her daughter who responds, practicing her English by translating our conversations on their cell phone - a touching reflection of tradition blending with modern aspirations.
In her position as Manager, Naima plays a crucial role in promoting partnerships and sustaining the livelihood of her fellow artisans. Their work spans from intricate kilim-style flat weaves to the plush, luxurious textures of Beni Ourain rugs.
Naima’s co-op was the very first stop on our 2-week buying trip, and it felt like fate that we found three rugs we immediately fell in love with. Two Beni Ourains (one large and one small) and a kilim runner made their way home with us that day, marking the beginning of our journey. In a delightful twist of fate, the very first rug we purchased was also the first rug we sold - a serendipitous moment that felt like kismet (pun intended!).
We are honored to work with Naima and to share her story with you. Her passion, resilience, and dedication to her craft, the village, and her family are woven into every piece she creates. When you bring one of her rugs into your home, you are not just adding a beautiful work of art to your space, you are embracing a story, a history, a family, and a tradition that will continue to be told for generations to come.
