In Mauritania, in the heart of the Sahara, among the nomadic tribes who for centuries have woven their history with woven palm threads, Saharan mats were born.
These palm wood rugs are handcrafted masterpieces. Once objects of everyday use, today they are considered collector's rugs, true luxury pieces .
Their beauty, rarity and historical value make them a timeless investment . Each mat tells the story of life in the desert, the challenges of the hostile environment and the creative genius of the people who made them.
Expertly hand-woven to form traditional geometric patterns, these precious vegetal rugs are now pieces for collectors, galleries and museums: a heritage to be preserved .
Even though they are not Moroccan handcrafted products, we too have fallen in love with these one-of-a-kind rugs. So, exceptionally, in our e-shop we have an exclusive selection of authentic Saharan mats .
As always, these are original, hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces. If you're lucky, you'll also find vintage pieces of great beauty...and value!
Here we tell you about them to talk to you about a type of carpet different from the classic Moroccan wool carpet, we will discover together their value and the reason why they have become treasures for collectors.
Here's what we'll talk about:
- Saharan Mat
- Hassira Mat (Hsira)
- Origins and history: the textile art of the nomadic tribes
- Sizes and shapes of Saharan mats
- Why are they so rare and precious?
- Saharan Mats and Interior Design Styles: Ideas on How to Use Them and Tips for Matching Them
- Saharan Mat Maintenance: How to Clean and Care for These Precious Rugs
- Why choose a Saharan mat
- From the Sahara to Milan: Saharan mats are today a masterpiece for aesthetes
But before we embark on this new journey, let's clarify the correct terminology and types of mats.
By now you know how much we care about the correctness of definitions, right? We must make an important distinction between two types of plant fiber carpets:
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1. Saharan Mat
Let's start with the Saharan mat, one of the oldest types of mats, used in the Sahara desert ( you will also find them indicated with the name of Touareg mat or Mauritanian mat )
The Saharan mat, in fact, is not made in Morocco - it is not a Moroccan tradition - but Morocco has always been a meeting point for trade exchanges of the peoples of the Sahara; this is why Saharan mats are also available here.
Lighter than a knotted wool rug, the Saharan mat is made of palm wood and leather (or rather, with thin palm wood canes), and is hand-woven with techniques passed down through the generations. Thanks to its lightness and resistance, it served to insulate from the sand and was used as flooring or covering for nomads' tents, in addition to insulating well from the desert heat and being easy to clean, roll up and move. The decorative motifs are often geometric and recall ancestral symbols of the culture (we talked about the symbolism of carpets, in this case Moroccan, in this article dedicated to Berber carpets )
Our selection of Saharan palm wood mats comes from Mauritania and are exceptional examples of inestimable value, for true connoisseurs. If you are in Milan and have time to stop by our showroom we will make you understand why.
2. Hassira mat (Moroccan)
In Morocco, the term Hassira mat refers to all mats made with fibers other than wool - palm straw, alfa (North African stipe), rush, etc. - but in reality in Arabic "Hassira" actually means mat . So, to be super precise, "hassira mat" would be a repetition.
Made with woven palm straw, it can have splendid embroidery in colored wool; the Hassira (or Hsira) is typical of rural Moroccan regions, such as Khemisset (an area located between Rabat and Meknes where the Khemisset mat comes from), where expert craftswomen work with dried palm leaves.
Traditionally used in mosques and rural areas, it was not used in the city. Now it can be found in cities like Marrakech where a Moroccan style has developed that mixes traditional and contemporary elements. So today it is also used as a decorative element in contemporary environments.
Characterised by flat weave, decorative fringes and geometric patterns created by wool embroidery, the Hassira - made on a loom unlike the Saharan jackets - cannot reach the generous dimensions of the latter (which can be small or very very large).
The manufacturing itself, although very complex, is not at the level of that of Saharan mats (another reason why these are so valuable and exclusive).
In this post we will focus mainly on Saharan mats , the most valuable and rare ones, which have become true collector's rugs, sought after for their exclusivity and highly appreciated by a demanding and refined clientele.
We are talking about collectible pieces, whose value increases exponentially over time, so much so that they can be considered an intelligent investment.
Origins and history of Saharan mats: the textile art of nomadic tribes
Saharan mats represent an artifact of extraordinary importance in the artisanal tradition of the nomadic populations of the Sahara.
These natural mats, made exclusively with materials found in the desert, combine functionality and aesthetics, testifying to a millenary knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Photo: ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv / "Die Tuaregs in ihrer typischen Kleidung als Schutz gegen Sand und Sonnenstrahlen, Tschadseeflug 1930–31", Creative Commons CC0 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Production techniques and materials used
The manufacturing of a Saharan plant fiber mat follows a unique and complex process. The manual weaving begins from a corner and develops along one side, to then conclude in width, a technique that differs from the symmetrical settings typical of other weavings.
In the section dedicated to mats on our shop you will see that in each Saharan mat there are hundreds to thousands of very thin palm wood strips joined together by leather threads : to do this you have to prepare the leather, make very thin threads and possibly dye them with plants, and you have to prepare the strips and have them all with the same thickness, and finally you have to join the strips with the leather threads. It is a very meticulous and long job.
The materials used, as we were saying, are palm wood and leather (dromedary or sheep).
After weaving, dyeing was done using natural pigments extracted from local plants, whose colors brightened with time and prolonged use. That's why they always have the same colors.
The Role of Nomadic Tribes in the Creation of Saharan Mats
These artifacts were an essential element for nomadic populations, providing insulation from the burning sand of the day and the intense cold of the Saharan nights.
Mats were used as floors in tents or as covers, protecting from thermal shock and creating comfortable spaces for daily life. Thanks to their lightness and resistance, they could be easily rolled up and transported on the back of a dromedary during travel.
In addition to their practical function, they also had a strong symbolic value: in Tuareg communities, a mat made of palm straw and leather was considered a prestigious gift, often offered on the occasion of weddings or ritual ceremonies.
The geometric decorations of these mats recall the Saharan rock carvings of prehistoric times, reflecting an extraordinary artistic continuity. Their formal rigor, devoid of superfluous ornaments, gives them an essential beauty destined to last over time, free from any fashion and passing trend.
The uniqueness of the processes and the end of traditional production
The traditional production of these artefacts has now almost disappeared.
With the progressive sedentarization of nomadic tribes and the reduction in the availability of raw materials, the creation of straw and leather mat-rugs became increasingly rare .
For this reason, we too are constantly committed to enhancing and preserving this ancient tradition, carefully selecting the last authentic Saharan mats still available . Each piece tells a story of nomadism, resilience and refinement, paying homage to an ancient textile art that deserves to be known and appreciated.
Sizes and shapes of Saharan mats
Saharan mats, square or rectangular, were and are made in different sizes, depending on the needs of the nomadic tribes, which can vary from small individual mats to large rugs that cover the entire area of a tent.
The most common sizes range from 1.5 x 2 meters to 3 x 4 meters, but there are also models made to measure for specific needs. The modularity of their structure allows you to place more mats side by side to create larger surfaces.
Why are they so rare and precious?
Saharan mats are not just carpets, but real historical textile documents.
Their production is increasingly rare, which is making these artifacts sought-after objects by collectors and interior designers.
Their distinguishing features include:
- the use of natural materials such as palm wood and leather, collected and processed using eco-sustainable methods;
- a unique craftsmanship that makes each piece unrepeatable;
- ancient symbols linked to nomadic culture, with decorative motifs representing travel, protection and fertility.
The progressive reduction in production, we were saying, due in particular to the sedentarization of nomadic populations and the reduction in the availability of raw materials, has contributed to a significant increase in their value.
Today antique mats are extremely rare on the market, and some examples have been sold at auction for astonishing figures.
Compared to other luxury carpets, such as the famous Persian or Caucasian examples, Saharan mats stand out for their essentiality and authenticity. Exceptional witnesses of a culture deeply linked to nature and survival in the desert.Their charm lies in the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality, making them not only exclusive furnishing accessories, but true collector's items.
Saharan Mats and Interior Design Styles: Ideas on How to Use Them and Tips for Matching Them
Our Saharan mat complements the beautiful Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina and the custom-made wooden bookcase.
Credits: project by Mariana Martini Studio .
Saharan mats, with their essentiality and the charm of natural fibres, fit perfectly into contemporary environments, creating a bridge between tradition and refined interior design.
Thanks to their versatility, they can be used not only as floor rugs, but also as tapestries, headboards or even decorative paintings, adding a touch of authenticity and history to living spaces.
One of the most elegant uses is the placement in the living rooms of prestigious residences , where a natural mat placed under a wooden table or placed next to a linen sofa helps to create a warm and exclusive atmosphere.
In bedrooms, it can be used as a headboard , replacing the classic wooden or fabric structure with a more original and material solution.
In exhibition spaces and design studios, a framed Saharan mat becomes a wall art piece , enhanced by natural light or specially designed lighting.
The Saharan mat in palm wood and leather is complemented by dark wood tables with an organic design. Credits: project by Mariana Martini Studio, published on Spazi Belli.
The charm of the contrast between nomadic tradition and contemporary furniture
The use of Saharan mats in modern interiors is based on the ability to create suggestive contrasts between the simplicity of raw materials and the refinement of current design.
In an urban attic with a minimalist or Japanese style , a plant fibre mat becomes the element that breaks the rigidity of the linear furnishings, bringing a note of warmth and a stylistic depth that only history can give to a domestic environment.
In yachts and seaside villas , their natural texture and neutral color blend perfectly with environments characterized by materials such as wood, linen and sand finishes. In the interiors of Mediterranean villas, they are often used to emphasize the dialogue with nature, thanks to their texture that recalls the landscape.
Those who love eclectic design can exploit the decorative potential of these mats to embellish contemporary spaces with an exotic touch , combining them with vintage or modern furnishing elements in a balanced fusion between past and present.
Examples of use in prestigious residences and luxury accommodation facilities
Saharan mats have been adopted in numerous luxury residences and exclusive interior design projects.
We absolutely fell in love with this residential project by Droulers Architecture published on House and Garden . In the photos on pages 6 and 9 of the pdf you will find wonderful ideas on how to use Tuareg mats. You will immerse yourself in a London home where eclectic luxury is expressed through the mix of styles from very distant eras and places . The mix is surprising, lively and… simply perfect.
In high-end resorts and boutique hotels they are used to furnish elegant suites , acting as decorative rugs or wall hangings. Even in the context of mountain chalets with a contemporary design, a Saharan mat can help create a harmony between natural materials, such as raw wood, and the elegance of modern minimalism.
When Atmosphere Matters: Mats for Events, Installations, Sets, Fashion Shows and Temporary Spaces
Our Moroccan mats and Saharan rugs are often chosen by brands, interior stylists and event curators to create authentic and visually striking settings. Lightweight, flexible and textured, they are ideal for temporary installations, photo shoots, exhibition sets or collection presentations.
During Milan Fashion Week 2025, for example, our mats accompanied “Essenza”, the first collection of Maison Labaz, adding warmth and depth to the environment. Each piece is unique and tells a story: a simple but powerful way to bring authenticity and atmosphere to your projects.
Contact us to make your event unique
How to match Saharan mats with the trendiest furnishing styles
Saharan mats integrate perfectly with different furnishing styles, even the most contemporary, enhancing every environment thanks to their timeless charm.
A “hassira” mat ideally unites the sofa area and the dining room, protecting the parquet and adding a fresh and original touch.
Photo sent by customers.
Below we show you some furnishing styles that in our opinion are perfect to be enhanced and personalized with one of these creations.
Saharan mats and biophilic style: a meeting between nature and design
Biophilic design , or biophilic style, is an approach to interior design that aims to re-establish the profound connection between humans and nature, through the use of natural materials, light, plants and organic textures.
Furnishing according to this trend means creating environments that promote well-being, calm and connection with the natural world. Saharan mats, made of woven plant fiber and natural leather, fit perfectly into this context: not only for the choice of materials, but also for their ancestral origin and their imperfect and authentic aesthetic.
Placed on wooden floors, next to terracotta elements and raw fabrics, or used as a wall tapestry to enhance the materiality of the spaces, they contribute to creating warm, harmonious and meaningful interiors. A refined way to bring the beauty of the desert into the homes of those who choose to live in balance with nature.
Saharan mats and coastal style: lightness and authenticity
The coastal style is inspired by the atmospheres of seaside locations, with airy, bright and relaxed environments.
In these interiors, sand, white, blue tones and natural materials such as bleached wood, linen and rope dominate. In this context, a Saharan palm straw mat fits in gracefully, evoking the heat of the desert and the slow pace of nomadic life.
Our straw mats are also at Casa Pesa , a special place in the heart of Varazze, in Liguria. Michela and Giulia passionately curate a selection of unique pieces, chosen with care and love for design. Among their proposals you will also find our authentic Moroccan mats.
It can be used as a light rug in a living room of a beach house, or hung as a tapestry on a neutral wall to add character and texture to a Mediterranean-style interior. Its earthy tones and essential geometric designs add depth without weighing it down, making it a perfect complement to a cheerful nautical-style home or a more sophisticated and casual-chic Hamptons-style home. In short, wherever there is a reference to seaside locations and those atmospheres, Saharan mats are the icing on the cake!
Saharan mats and japandi style: material essentiality
The Japandi style combines Japan and Scandinavia : we can define it as the meeting between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design, two of the most elegant and loved styles of the moment.
She favors simplicity, clean lines and a neutral palette, with a strong focus on the quality of the materials and the sense of calm that the well-studied and balanced space conveys. Saharan mats, with their irregular texture and natural imperfections, harmonize perfectly with this philosophy. They can be used as a central element in a minimal living area , or as a natural headboard , to add materiality and authenticity. In a japandi environment, they become silent protagonists, speaking of earth, time and expert hands, and dialoguing with the void with elegant discretion.
Saharan Mats and Ethnic Style: Identity and Travel
Those who know us know that we use the term “ethnic” sparingly because we prefer to call things by their proper name and identify their origin.
But, if used in the right way, we also like to think that ethnic style can be a beautiful celebration of cultural diversity and artisanal traditions of the world, through the use of objects that tell distant stories. Choosing ethnic style for your home and doing it with awareness and knowledge: that's what we like!
African fabrics, South American ceramics, Indian or North African furnishings can coexist in eclectic environments that are full of personality. Saharan mats, authentic witnesses of Tuareg culture, are perfect elements for this decorative language. Placed on wooden floors, tiles or majolica, but also rough textures, combined with raw linen cushions and carved wooden furniture, they add symbolic value to the space. Each mat, with its geometric patterns and its archaic flavor, becomes a visual story of travel, memory and belonging .
With their versatility and refinement, in short, Saharan mats are not just a furnishing accessory, but a true statement of style that enriches every environment with history and authenticity.
A hassira mat ideally unites the sofa and dining room in an eclectic and welcoming ensemble, which tells the style and story of those who live in this house. Photo sent by our customers.
Saharan Mat Maintenance: How to Clean and Care for These Precious Rugs
Saharan mats, especially vintage ones, require careful maintenance to preserve their beauty and ensure their durability over time .
They are built to withstand the harsh desert conditions, rolled and unrolled, transported, but they are still valuable objects to be preserved.
Their artisanal structure and the organic materials with which they are woven require specific care, both in daily cleaning and in extraordinary conservation and restoration interventions.
Daily maintenance
To keep a plant fibre mat in perfect condition, regular and delicate cleaning is essential .
Here are our tips.
- Dust removal is done with a low-power vacuum cleaner or a soft brush, avoiding the use of accessories with stiff bristles that could damage the weave.
- If the mat is placed on a floor and subjected to daily traffic, it is advisable to rotate it periodically to ensure even wear.
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can alter its color, so it is preferable to place it in areas of the house where natural lighting is balanced.
Extraordinary cleaning and conservation
If necessary, for a deeper cleaning you can:
- use a slightly damp cloth, rubbing gently in the direction of the weave. It is essential to avoid using excess water, as moisture could damage the fibers and leather;
- to remove any stains, you can apply natural solutions such as a mix of water and white vinegar or bicarbonate, dabbing without rubbing;
- If the mat is not used for long periods, it should be stored rolled up and wrapped in a breathable cotton cloth, away from humid environments or sources of excessive heat.
How to intervene in case of damage or for restoration
Saharan mats are durable, but over time they can suffer small tears or weakening in the areas most subject to pressure. In case of damage to the weave:
- it is important not to attempt improvised repairs, but to contact craftsmen specialized in the restoration of carpets and natural fiber products;
- If decorative leather dries out or cracks, it can be treated with natural oils specifically designed for leather, applied sparingly to avoid excess moisture;
- For particularly old or valuable mats, we recommend conservative restorations that respect the original structure, preserving the authenticity of the piece.
By following these guidelines, a natural Saharan mat can maintain its charm intact for decades, continuing to tell the story and culture of a unique artisan tradition in the world.
Why choose a Saharan mat
Buying a Saharan mat today means much more than enriching your environment with a piece of extraordinary beauty: it is an investment in a disappearing art , a conscious gesture that combines luxury, exclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
In the textile collectors' market, these rare artifacts are increasingly sought after, and their availability is decreasing year by year. Authentic Saharan mats, handcrafted using ancestral techniques, are now extremely rare (we have contacts with artisans in Mauritania who still make these masterpieces), making each piece a unique and unrepeatable piece, whose value can only increase over time.
Today, the Saharan mat market is a niche for true connoisseurs , for those who can recognize the refinement of an object that tells centuries of history and tradition. Getting hold of one of these creations means standing out, owning something that cannot be replicated, that is not found in conventional design circuits, but that carries with it the charm of an era and the history of a people. A Saharan mat is not a simple carpet: it is a work of textile art, a dialogue between past and present, a symbol of culture.
Choosing one is not only a style statement, but also an act of preservation of an art in danger of extinction.
While the world is racing towards industrial production and aesthetic homogenization, these pieces represent the last testimony of an extraordinary manual skill, handed down for centuries by the nomadic tribes of the Sahara. Owning a Saharan mat means supporting the memory of a civilization, keeping alive a tradition that would otherwise be lost.
And then, let's talk about sustainability and exclusivity.
Choosing a vintage mat means opting for a piece that does not require new resources to be produced, an ethical, authentic object in perfect harmony with a sophisticated vision of conscious luxury .
It is the perfect balance between ecological awareness and refinement: a furnishing accessory that not only embellishes a room, but does so with a story to tell, an intrinsic nobility that is perceived at first glance.
For those who appreciate the value of art and craftsmanship , a Saharan mat is not just any purchase, but a symbol of taste, culture and far-sighted vision. In a world where true luxury is increasingly measured by the ability to own rare and significant objects, these creations represent the ultimate in exclusivity.
From the Sahara to Milan: Saharan mats are today a masterpiece for aesthetes
Saharan mats, once guardians of the nomadic tradition of the desert, are today sought-after art treasures that find a new life in homes around the world, including our Milan. At Casa Amar we are passionate about researching and selecting the rarest and most authentic pieces, collaborating directly with small businesses in Morocco and Mauritania. Thanks to this network of direct knowledge, we can guarantee that every mat that arrives in our showroom tells a unique story, made of artisanal weaving and ancient symbols.
Care in transporting mats is essential to preserve their integrity and beauty. Each rug is packaged with extreme care, using high-quality materials to ensure that it arrives in perfect condition, ready to be admired in its new home.
Our experience allows us to reserve an exclusive service for each customer, accompanying the purchasing process with detailed information on the history and characteristics of each individual piece. Not just a purchase, but a real experience that makes each mat or carpet a masterpiece to be lived every day.
For those who want to invest in a unique piece, an investment that will grow over time, Saharan mats represent a choice that combines beauty, tradition and value. We recommend that you choose carefully, taking into account the dimensions, colors and patterns that reflect the personality and style of your home. If you feel like it, we will be happy to help you on this journey.
You can discover all our mats here on the site or in ours showroom in Milan .
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