From Nomadic Tribal Rugs to Urban and City Workshop Creations
Persian rugs can be categorised into 2 main types: tribal and city workshop rugs. Historically, Persia was a rich tapestry of diverse tribal groups, each with its unique cultural identity, deeply reflected in their rug-making traditions. The distinctions between tribal and city rugs are evident in their distinct designs, raw materials, craftsmanship, nature of production, size, region of origin, and when they were woven.
No one knows precisely when and where the technique of weaving first started, but there is no doubt that weaving, in general, started in Central Asia. Rug making among nomadic tribes and its evolution even to the current day is a fascinating journey from portable weaving in tents, to villages and finally to city workshops, mirroring the broader socio-cultural shifts from a nomadic lifestyle, to sedentary living in towns and cities.
Tribal Rugs
The earliest rugs were TRIBAL RUGS distinguished by the unique patterns and styles that echo the intricate and colourful traditions of these nomadic tribes. Each tribe had their own, distinct legacy that has evolved over centuries, influenced by changes in empires, rulers, socio-political and economic dynamics.
Tribal rugs, which include both nomadic and village varieties, are known for their robust and vivid patterns. Woven by notable groups such as the Turkoman, Qashqai, and Bakhtiari tribes, they, often reflect the lifestyle and traditions of the weavers, embodying a raw, authentic charm.
Tribal rugs are often smaller than city rugs, largely due to the use of smaller, portable looms that suit the nomadic lifestyle. These looms are easy to assemble and disassemble, making them ideal for a life on the move when seeking pastures new.
City Workshop Rugs
Improvements in loom design, craftsmanship and availability of raw materials lead to a gradual change from nomadic weaving in tents, to village and CITY WORKSHOP rug-making in major towns along the Silk Road trade routes, each with their own distinct characteristics, patterns and symbols.
City rugs from renowned centers like Tabriz, Kashan and Heriz are known for their finer, intricate craftsmanship, often featuring elaborate patterns and diverse colour palettes. They are woven on large, stationary, upright looms that allow for the creation of larger rugs and carpets.
While Persian rugs are the most revered in the world, given the rich variety of ORIENTAL RUGS from beyond Persia, we also look at the origins and styles of handwoven rugs from Afghanistan, Russia, China, Turkey, India and Mongolia.
How City Workshops Transformed the Craft of Persian & Iranian Rug Weaving
The rise of city workshops marked a significant evolution in the art of carpet weaving, as distinct from tribal rug making traditions. As nomadic tribes began to settle in towns and villages, rug-making tools transitioned from portable horizontal looms, to much larger, sophisticated, static vertical looms found in city-workshops, allowing the creation of larger rugs.
The stationary nature of looms, situated in permanent workshops, symbolises the transition from a nomadic to the sedentary lifestyle in rug making. The size and complexity of these city-made rugs reflect the sophistication and artistic capabilities developed in these urban centers.
In contrast to tribal rugs that were deeply rooted in the nomadic cultures, city workshops began to create, not just larger, but more complex and intricate rug designs, executed with superior technical precision. This variability adds to the uniqueness and charm of Persian rugs, each piece telling its own story.
Generations of Iranians have meticulously handed down the rug-weaving art and skill from the heyday of the Persian Empire to their descendants. Today, several key cities in Iran, including Gorgan, Heris, Isfahan, Kashan, Kerman, Mashhad, Tabriz and Qom, are minor hubs of carpet manufacturing with styles and designs exclusive to each region.