Berber carpet was the invention of the nomadic Berber tribes that roamed the arid deserts of Northwest Africa. Original Berber carpets and rugs were made from camel hair and wool the only materials available to the tribes. The carpet effectively protected the wearer against the biting cold and freezing winds of the desert nights. The tents that they pitched in desert oases were also floored with these carpets. Evidence of Berber rugs has been found in archaeological digs that date to the dawn of history. Even today, many Berber tribes make and use these coverings in the traditional manner.

Berber carpet, as made commercially today, is able to withstand hard treatment and to a certain extent is stain–resistant depending on the brand and type of carpet. Sometimes the carpet is further treated to enhance its ability to resist staining. Berber carpet is also made of nylon or olefin though the traditional choice remains wool or camel hair. Olefin carpet tends to be the most impervious to stains. Cleaning is relatively easy with periodic vacuuming.

Berber carpet is distinctive for a particular type of weave and a color that ranges from off–white to a light fawn. They are also found in darker colors but the general association is with lighter shades.

The price of a Berber carpet depends on a variety of factors including the type of carpet fiber uses, brand, the number of knots per unit area, etc. The most expensive Berber carpet, made of camel hair or wool, have a density of up to 200,000 knots per square meter. Berber carpet is an investment so a be sure to read through the warranty information too.