Cooperative Timnay

Weaving Freedom and the Legacy of Berber Carpets

Nestled high in Morocco’s Sirwa Mountains, Cooperative Timnay steers timeless tradition– preserving the ancient craft of Berber carpet weaving, a 5,000-year-old art form rooted in the identity of the Imazighen—the Free People.

The sixteen women of Timnay Cooperative weave more than carpets; they weave stories, freedom, and resilience. Each step in the process reflects a deep harmony with nature. In spring, the mountains hum with renewal as sheep are sheared and wool is washed in clear, glacial streams. Earth-born dyes from henna, madder roots, and pomegranate skins yield the vivid reds, yellows, and browns that bring their designs to life.

For the women artisans, sustainability is not a practice but a way of life. They honor the land by taking only what is needed and giving back through care and stewardship. Their carpets represent more than beauty; they provide opportunities for their villages and the Beni Ourin, Azilal, Bouchrouet, and Zanafi tribes. Each intricately woven piece sold helps fund education, sustain families, and amplify the voices of Berber women on a global stage. 

The Timnay Cooperative has become more than a guardian of history—they are a living beacon of Berber heritage. These carpets, born of meditative craftsmanship and centuries of tradition, are not only works of art but symbols of resilience and empowerment. The enduring legacy of the Imazighen women who have passed this living history to their daughters for generations ensures this ancient craft continues to thrive, carrying the soul of Morocco’s mountains into homes worldwide.

This respect is evident in every thread, every pattern, and every knot, creating pieces as enduring as the mountains themselves.