The smell of the wool rugs was the first thing I noticed as I ducked into the small room. Then my eyes were dazzled by the cacophony of colors and patterns of the rugs strewn floor to ceiling in the small, dimly lit dwelling. I had already bought a rug in Merzouga, but was entranced by the beautifully unique rugs from the Atlas mountain region. In the of a two hour negotiation, I ended up selling my clothes and an extra phone to buy two beautiful handmade rugs made locally in the village.

Imlil, Morocco (February 2024)