One Square Meter Berber
Winner Gold – European Design Awards 2022
Category Printed Miscellaneous
One Square Meter Berber, founded by Mina Abouzahra, is a social, cultural project that uses design and craft to connect. The project aims to shine new light on the weaving craft of the Amazigh community in Morocco, as well as provide economic and social empowerment for weavers. The project does this by drawing attention to their plight within the carpet industry. By giving meaning to the history, knowledge and qualities of their unique craft, the project honours the weavers.
OSMB initiated a collaboration between Moroccan carpet knotters and four Dutch designers, Amie Dicke, Bertjan Pot, Mattijs van Bergen and Wieki Somers. They were invited to travel to rural areas in Morocco to work and live closely with the craftswomen, who shared their skills and age-old expertise with them. The Dutch designers gave the traditional weavers new insights by sharing their technical weaving innovations and more contemporary designs. This created a dialogue between traditional craft and innovative design.
Each weaver was invited to create a ‘One Square Meter Berber’ carpet; a ‘self-portrait’, a creative expression that allowed their inner voice to be heard. In response, the designers created their own work, a tribute to the women and their skill. Their creative interpretation of the craft shines new light on the importance of preserving cultural tradition and the knowledge that comes with it.
I’m saying goodbye – Sale
18 & 19 November
Location: Thonik, Grensstraat 47 Amsterdam
Mina Abouzahra will spend the coming six months (starting November the 21st) in Morocco to spend more time with the female weavers, learn even more about the craft, develop new techniques and work. On 18 & 19 of November she will organize a goodbye sale to say goodbye. A unique opportunity for all Moroccan rug lovers to buy a rug with a discount varying between 10% up to 30%.