Origin and identity of the Amazigh people

According to the hieroglyphs found in the temple of Amun, the Amazighs are the oldest inhabitants of the North African continent. They are also known as berbebers, a Greco-Roman name that means "barbarians", since they were located outside the Roman axis. But they feel like Amazhigs, which means "noble free men" and prefer to be called that way.The Amazhigh people have existed for more than five thousand years, covering North Africa, from the border of Egypt and Libya to the Atlantic Ocean bordering the Mediterranean Sea and to the borders with Nigeria and Mali. It has been a culture historically despised by the dominant governments of North African countries, but with the recent crisis of Arab ideology (Arab Spring, Islamic radicalism, etc.) the recognition of minority ethnic groups and cultures was favored, especially in Morocco and Algeria.

Within the Amazigh culture there are three main elements that are defined as "trinity", easily recognizable in Moroccan and Algerian culture. These elements have transcended the Amazight culture, being approved and accepted as the general identity: the importance of the Tamazight language, the universality of the tribal democratic system and the solid link with the tamurt (the Atlas Mountains).

This ancient people, in order to survive, has developed crafts using the basic materials that they themselves produce. From the livestock or the care of their sheep, they have obtained the best wool and have learned an original way of making precious rugs using natural dyes and with a totally manual elaboration process. Today its rugs have been exported, known and highly valued around the world.

More information and carpets on: www.berberfish.com

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