How do I know if a Moroccan rug is genuinely handmade?

To tell if a Moroccan rug is genuinely handmade, turn it over: a hand-knotted rug has a slightly irregular pattern on the back that mirrors the front, with visible individual knots and small imperfections, while a machine-made rug has a perfectly uniform, printed-looking reverse. Real handmade rugs are never flawlessly symmetrical.

Other signs are natural wool that feels slightly greasy or uneven, colours that vary subtly across the piece (from natural or small-batch dyes), and fringes that are a continuation of the rug’s own threads rather than sewn on. Ask about the region and tribe — genuine sellers can tell you where it was woven.

Weight and price are clues too: a real wool rug is heavy for its size and won’t be truly cheap. If you want certainty, buy from a reputable cooperative or a shop your riad trusts, and don’t be rushed into a "today only" deal.