About Cooperative Atma

Hi there! Welcome to Cooperative Atma.


We are a group of women artisans from the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We weave not just as a craft, but as part of our daily lives. Many of us learned by watching our mothers, aunts, and neighbors, picking up the rhythm of the loom alongside the rhythm of home. These early lessons taught us technique, patience, and pride, and they are at the heart of our cooperative.

Our Story:

Our cooperative was founded in 2003 with a single plot of land and a shared dream, led by Fatima Falfouli, one of the original founders. Fatima has devoted her work to supporting women in our community, preserving weaving traditions, and helping each artisan develop her skills.

Today, with two workshops and over 60 members, our cooperative continues under her guidance, providing meaningful work and opportunities for women in the region.

We have been weaving for generations. Amazigh women have practiced this craft since 600 B.C. Every thread carries the stories, symbols, and knowledge passed down through families. From motifs that reflect cultural beliefs to patterns inspired by daily life, each rug tells a story.

How We Make Our Rugs?

Making a rug is a careful process. Here’s how our textiles come to life:

  • Wool: We use sheep, goat, or camel wool, gathered without harming the animals.

  • Preparing the Wool: Each batch is washed, brushed, carded, and spun by hand.

  • Natural Dyeing: Our wool is dyed with herbs, plants, and spices such as henna, pomegranate, saffron, chamomile, olive leaves, and walnut. We source colors naturally.

  • The Loom: Every rug is handwoven on a vertical loom we build ourselves, sometimes accompanied by traditional rituals.

  • Knot by Knot: Up to five women work together on a single rug, sometimes creating tens of thousands of knots over weeks.

  • Finishing Touches: Rugs are hand-tied, washed, and dried in the sun.

Each rug reflects the skills and effort of the artisans who made it. Natural variations in color, weave, and texture make every piece unique.

What We Make:

Our collection features textiles that reflect the weaving traditions of the Middle Atlas:

  • Beni Mrirt Rugs: Bold geometric patterns with natural tones.

  • Beni Ouarain Rugs: Simple geometric patterns and neutral tones, reflecting the traditional style of the region.

  • Boujaad Runners: Long, handwoven pieces with colorful designs.

  • Flatweave Rugs: Durable and versatile with geometric patterns.

  • Geometric Wool Pillow Covers: Handwoven accents that showcase traditional techniques.

Each piece reflects heritage, skill, and cultural significance.

Why We Do This:

Weaving connects us with the past, each other, and the world beyond our mountains. By sharing our textiles, we provide opportunities for women in our cooperative and help preserve the skills and traditions passed down through generations.

Our cooperative also serves as a training space, where members can refine their techniques, explore creative approaches, and continue the practice of handweaving.

Recognition and Collaborations:

Over the years, our work has reached beyond our village:

  • We participated in the Royal Tapestry Project in Rotterdam, where our artisans contributed handcrafted textiles.

  • Our cooperative has been featured in media outlets such as Le Matin, and highlighted by organizations including UNIDO.

  • Collaborations with Fair Fabrics and the Boisselet Bevan Institute showcase the work of our artisans and the organization of the cooperative.

These acknowledgments reflect our ongoing work and community impact.

From Our Hands to Yours:


At Cooperative Atma, every rug, pillow, and textile carries the skills, effort, and cultural heritage of the artisans who made it. Each piece is  handcrafted, and reflects the rich traditions of the Middle Atlas.

We are grateful for every person who brings a piece of our story into their home. Your support helps us preserve these traditions and support our community.