What kind of rugs are these? Silk?

I bought these on an online auction. They are so lightweight and I am not familiar with that. The smaller one has a tag that says Made in France stapled on the back, but not sure I believe it. I think I know they are machine made, but are they silk or what fabric? Are they made for floors? The fringe is totally different on the two. The square one has fringe on all 4 sides and measures 56 3/4 inches without the fringe. The small blue one that has the tag that says Made in France measures 25 1/4 inches by 41 1/2". Thank you for looking!

 

The small one is a Muslim prayer rug. Featuring the exterior of a mosque above and the interior with mihrab below. Don't know why it wouldn't have been made in France. 10% of the French population is Muslim and they could export as well. Doesn't look terribly old.

Debora

 

It's not an uncommon design. Here's another similar. Moroccan, according to the seller.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162783375/moroccan-mosque-plush-tapestry-prayer

Debora

 

Thank you so much! Well, they were advertised as Persian, so I didn't trust after I got them and saw that. Won't be buying rugs anymore. Any ideas on the larger square one?

 

The origin should have been disclosed by the seller. Perhaps someone will recognize the mosque (I don't) which will provide clues as to its target market. Not a clue as to the first.

Debora

 

Thank you!

 

The larger one may be a bed covering if it is light weight and has fringe on all four sides.

 

Manufactured in France would go with Morocco or Algeria.

 

Thank you both for responding. Sorry, illiterate in rug talk, what does manufactured in France would go with Morocco or Algeria mean?

 

Former French colonies with a majority Muslim population.

Debora

 

Thank you! Anna