Qashqai

South of Isfahan live the Qashqai nomads, renowned for their rug making. The Qashqai are a large Turkic tribal confederation living around Shiraz and Persepolis in Fars Province. There are various theories about the origin of their name: it is said to mean "those who fled," and a popular story also says it means "a horse with white spots."

Way of Life
Traditionally, the Qashqai are nomads who move with their livestock from season to season. They have migrated twice a year, to the Zagros Mountains in summer and toward the Persian Gulf in winter. This migration gives their large flocks of sheep and goats enough space and food. Today, however, many Qashqai have settled and work in farming or in city jobs. They wear round hats and colorful robes, and besides goats and sheep they keep donkeys, horses and dogs, animals that play an important role during migration.

Rug Characteristics
The Qashqai make rugs from their own wool and use them in daily life, as wall hangings and as floors for their tents. Qashqai Persian rugs are characterized by red, blue, cream and brown, practical colors that resist dirt. The rugs depict a variety of motifs reflecting Qashqai life, such as animals, plants, flowers and trees. Stylized human figures also appear, and some designs are inspired by the frescoes and columns of Persepolis. These motifs are set into hexagonal or diamond-shaped medallion patterns, and designs with a circular central medallion are called the Hebatlu pattern, after a Qashqai tribe. Stylized birds, animals and flowers are arranged around a diamond-shaped central lozenge. Traditional colors are terracotta, red, cream and blue.

With their large, free-flowing patterns and sturdy wool, they also suit rooms with a lot of coming and going.

How They Are Made
Qashqai rugs are made on horizontal looms, with the weaver sitting on the rug as the work progresses. Today, Qashqai rugs are made not only by nomads but also by settled people, with little difference in style. They are made from natural materials the weavers can produce themselves, such as sheep's wool, goat hair and horsehair, and the colors also come from natural sources. Rather than competing on fineness, the Qashqai strength is weaving bold compositions freely and expansively.