How Rug Weavers in Morocco Are Working Together to Fight for a Fair Wage

Moroccan rugs are valued around the world for their complex patterns and thick wool. A large rug can take months to weave, but the women who complete each step by hand usually receive the least profit.

Selling directly to consumers is challenging, so artisans often rely on middlemen who sell the rugs for several times more in big cities. Online, Moroccan rugs can sell for several thousand dollars.

We went to Morocco to find out why these artisans struggle to earn a profit while the rugs are so expensive.

Intro 0:00
Moroccan rugs 1:18
Cleaning and spinning wool 2:03
Working in a cooperative 2:36
Wool from mountain sheep 4:25
Dyeing wool 5:21
Weaving the design 6:16
Earning a profit 8:10
Passing on the craft 12:00