Tribal Rug

Overview of Tribal Rugs

Tribal rugs are rugs made by nomadic peoples and small tribal communities. Each tribe has its own weaving style and traditions. These rugs are deeply rooted in their cultures and natural surroundings, and characteristics unique to each tribe appear in their designs, colors and motifs.

Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari rugs are characterized by rich colors and intricate designs. Made mainly in the Zagros Mountains region of southwestern Iran, they often use geometric patterns and animal figures. The weavers tie firm knots in wool to make long-lasting rugs. A high pile that feels luxurious underfoot is another feature.

Baluch

Baluch rugs are small, with designs based on dark colors such as deep navy and crimson, accented with white or orange. Geometric patterns, the tree of life and camels are common motifs. These rugs are popular, and the whole family is often involved in making them.

Qashqai

Qashqai rugs are known for vivid, deep colors and bold designs. These rugs are durable and soft to the touch. The Qashqai are nomads of southwestern Iran, and their designs are rooted in their way of life and natural surroundings.

Turkmen

Turkmen rugs are characterized by geometric patterns in bold reds and browns, often using the octagonal gul motif. These rugs use single-knot or double-knot techniques, and the traditional style is still carried on today.

Afshar

Afshar rugs are characterized by geometric patterns expressing rich cultural symbolism, often in bright colors. They come in many sizes and shapes, and are made with high-quality materials, making them long-lasting works of art.

Shiraz

Shiraz rugs are characterized by varied designs influenced by neighboring regions. They use geometric designs, pole medallions and layered borders, and colors vary with the age of the piece. They are built on wool or cotton, with a loose pile.

Gabbeh

Gabbeh are characterized by simple designs and bright colors. These rugs are thick, with pile reaching up to 2.5 cm. Simple animal and plant motifs are woven in freely.

Bukhara

Bukhara rugs are hand-knotted rugs that originated in the city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan, characterized by octagonal motifs. The design was influenced by the rugs of the Tekke tribe of Turkmenistan, sharing their deep red color and "gul" motifs. Bukhara was not a center of rug production, but it established itself as a trading city, and its rugs spread to the West.

Mashwani

The Mashwani are a tribe settled in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Mashwani rugs are their distinctive rugs. They are characterized by geometric designs, combining pile weave and flat weave to create a textured, three-dimensional surface. The designs leave almost no empty space, with diamond motifs spreading across them. Mashwani rugs have been woven for centuries and were originally used as part of a bride's dowry.