Zarda Decor : Our story

AMAZIGH BERBER RUGS FROM MOROCCO TO NEW-YORK

Who we are

Our founders Aziz Chaqor and Aldo Oumoudden conceived of Zarda Decor on a family trip to Morocco.

After more than 30 years living abroad in the USA and France, the two cousins, originally from Ben Smim in the Middle Atlas of Morocco, wanted their next chapter to bring them back to their roots.

Zarda Decor becomes their way of showcasing the unique craftsmanship of Amazigh Berber artisans, offering handmade rugs and other traditional decor for sale in the United States, Europe, and worldwide. Through Zarda, they aim to share the richness of Moroccan artisanal heritage, connecting cultures and honoring their ancestrors.

What does 'Zarda' mean?

“Zarda” meaning “feast” or “lavish dinner party” in Moroccan Darija is also an acronym containing the first initials of several family members’ names.

As a family business, Zarda seeks to connect our Amazigh (Berber) heritage and artisanal tradition to the global community.

The Art of Ancestral Weaving

Growing up in the heart of Amazigh country, our crafts formed an integral part of our culture. Nearly every home had an “azdda”, a loom, where carpets were designed and woven. Knotting techniques were passed down, mother to daughter, with multiple family members collaborating to create each piece. It was customary for a carpet to be constructed over time, with the “azdda” serving as the centerpiece and pride of most households.

Preserving the Amazigh Heritage

At Zarda we work directly with the artisans and craftswomen responsible for carrying traditional Amazigh weaving crafts to the next generation. Through collaboration with local collectives and associations, we offer our patrons the chance to own a piece that embodies this rich artistic heritage, while directly supporting sustainable economic development in rural Amazigh communities.

Unique and Timeless Rugs

In every carpet there is a piece of our history, our symbols and our customs. Motifs and designs are always hand-stitched and often chosen in an ‘off-the-cuff’ fashion resulting in unique crafts that cannot be replicated. From our diverse and carefully curated selection, discover your very own, one-of-a-kind piece: hand-woven, timelessly elegant, and sure to breathe life into your living space.

Discover our Moroccan rugs