Design Spotlight: Zahra from Association Afous Gafous

In the sunlit village of Ouarzazate, where the mountains breathe inspiration and stories live in every thread, artisan Zahra Amzil of Association Afous Gafous is redefining what it means to weave tradition into innovation.

Her cooperative, Afous Gafous, is known for creating rugs that blend time-honored Amazigh craftsmanship with fresh ideas and natural beauty. Each rug is handwoven with care, dyed with natural pigments, and tells a story that belongs both to the past and to the dreams of today.

🌿 Inspiration Strikes

One evening, Zahra was watching a traditional Amazigh film — a story about women, courage, and the creation of a cooperative. As she watched the film’s vibrant rugs appear on screen, something sparked inside her. The patterns, the symbols, the energy of collaboration — all of it spoke to her deeply.

With a rush of inspiration, Zahra began sketching. She imagined a rug that would merge these film motifs with her own artistic vision and a new weaving technique she had recently learned — the Zanafi style, known for its intricate geometric textures.

🧵 From Sketch to Loom

To bring her idea to life, Zahra started with simple materials — leftover grey yarns for the design and a naturally dyed brown base made from onion shells. Her first prototype was woven at home, where her children often watched her work, curious about the patterns forming on the loom.

Every thread represented an experiment, a step forward in her creative journey. A few weeks later, her first design was complete — a rug that felt both ancient and entirely new.

When the rug finds its home, Zahra hopes to use part of the proceeds to buy school supplies for her children — a reminder that every creation carries purpose, every sale touches lives.

🌸 A Vision for the Future

Encouraged by her first success, Zahra is already imagining new variations of her design — new colors, new forms, and endless possibilities. Her story reflects what Crafted Morocco stands for: creativity rooted in heritage, and heritage reborn through imagination.

Through artisans like Zahra, the spirit of Moroccan craftsmanship continues to evolve — one idea, one rug, and one dream at a time.