Abderahman En-Nachit

Carpets: a deep connection to family

• Abderahman restores carpets
• He considers his work to be a tribute to the women who crafted the original pieces
• His craft is rooted in a culture that treasures family heirloom

Abderahman En-Nachit is a figure of craftsmanship in Fez medina. Born and raised in the medina, he has spent his whole life there. Abderahman started to work as a salesman in a carpet store when he was 16 years old and fell in love with the beauty, quality, and diversity of the rugs he was selling. He stayed in this shop for several years and learnt every detail about the provenance, the making process and the styles of the carpets. Abderahman realised that all the carpets, woven or knotted, were purchased directly from families in villages. They all had a story. Carpets are mostly made by women in Morocco. "Those women do not have access to TV or internet, and have never been in contact with art books, but yet their spirit is incredibly creative," he marvels. He began to travel around the country searching for beautiful carpets and improving his skills in restoring them. Abderahman had to become an expert not only in material and process, but also in colour dyeing. All the colours that he works with are natural. Filled with a sense of duty, Abderahman gives a new life to these rugs with absolute respect to the original work.

Interview

Omar Chennafi©Michelangelo Foundation

Omar Chennafi©Michelangelo Foundation

Why did you choose to become a carpet restorer?

I do not recall choosing this work. I feel that the work chose me. Since I can remember, I have always been in love with carpets which are, to me, the symbol of a warm and happy home. Women work very hard to make these beautiful objects. I always felt that I could give a second life to the rugs.

What are the main steps in the restoration of a carpet?

The first thing is to have a very careful look at the rug, to understand the spirit of it, to feel it. Restoration is about adding to the rug’s life. Sometimes the carpets were hung on the walls but most of the time they were used on the floors where the family gathered for meals, which is a very crucial time in family life in Morocco.

What is your goal when repairing a rug?

My main goal is to give it a second life. The restored part should be discreet and seamless. Carpets say a lot about Moroccan culture. To me, it is fundamental that they remain usable. A carpet made today is never as beautiful as an older one. Nothing can replace the caresses of time.

Which colours and material do you use?

Most of the carpets are made with wool. Very few are made with other materials such as cotton. Sometimes they are a mix of cotton and wool. I use the same wool. This is a natural and hand spun fibre. I also try to respect the exact same tints which is sometimes a bit of a challenge as time has passed and colours have faded.

Abderahman En-Nachit is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1973

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