Our Story
Our founders, Aziz Chaqor and Aldo Oumoudden, conceived of Zarda 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” 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.
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.
At Zarda we work directly with the artisans and craftswomen responsible for preserving and passing the traditional Amazigh weaving crafts to the next generation. Through collaboration with local “women-led” collectives and associations, we offer our patrons the chance to own a piece that
embodies this rich artistic heritage, while directly contributing to the economic development in rural Amazigh communities.
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 easily be replicated. With our diverse and carefully curated selection, we are sure you will own a distinctive piece that will infuse your living space with unparalleled exotic style and comfort.
“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.
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.
At Zarda we work directly with the artisans and craftswomen responsible for preserving and passing the traditional Amazigh weaving crafts to the next generation. Through collaboration with local “women-led” collectives and associations, we offer our patrons the chance to own a piece that
embodies this rich artistic heritage, while directly contributing to the economic development in rural Amazigh communities.
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 easily be replicated. With our diverse and carefully curated selection, we are sure you will own a distinctive piece that will infuse your living space with unparalleled exotic style and comfort.