Telouet Shopping Tips by suvanki

La Maison Berbere Nomade: Carpet Shop

We stopped here after visiting the kasbah, Apparently some of our party had requested a visit to a carpet shop!!! I braced myself - I've perfected my "I'm not buying a carpet Thank-You" skills after years of travelling around Turkey. Whilst working as a Holiday Rep there, I sat through numerous 'carpet demonstrations' However, I still enjoy listening to how the carpets are made, and learning about the patterns and colours

We sat sipping our mint tea while roll upon roll of carpets and rugs were unfurled. This time though it was quite interesting. I did learn some new things about the locally made works of art. I.e what the various symbols represent, why some carpets have an unfinished edge, what Granny carpets are, and about wedding carpets. I'll try and explain later in my local customs tips

Some of our party did want to buy something, in fact they took so long, we were late setting off for Tighza our next destination. We returned the next day for those who'd bought carpets to pick up their neatly packaged bundles.



What to buy: Carpets, rugs, kilims/ hanbels, Glaouas or Zanafis. You can also purchase jewellery here.

Our guide recommended that we would be better purchasing carpets at this shop rather than in Marrakech, as the prices were better, and this was a reputable place to shop. (Yes, I'd be cynical too normally, but it was our party that asked to visit a carpet shop, and not the guide suggesting it- Check VTer Angiebabe for more info about this carpet shop - she knows it very well

One of our group had purchased a carpet in Marrakech before the tour started, and realised she'd been ripped off, after hearing the prices of the carpets here. So she managed to stop the payment going through, and managed to sort out a better price on our return to Marrakech

What to pay: How good are Your haggling skills??? Check out prices in fixed price shops to get an idea. Decide what You can afford and stick to it!

Directions: On the road leading down to the kasbah, with the kasbah on your right.

Theme: Local Craft