Long before first elaborate Persian Tabriz or Turkish Oushak carpets were created, nomadic tribes have already been making simpler but heartwarming and unbridled rugs, both for their own use and for commercial purposes.
From the mighty Atlas Mountains in Morocco to the harsh and craggy valleys of the Caucasus, nameless weavers have crafted an immeasurable number of unique tribal designs which have indisputably contributed to the development of the weaving art and constitute a considerable part of the world’s rug legacy.
Antique tribal rugs appear in an outstanding variety of hues and patterns and contain probably the purest forms of widely recognizable, traditional rug motifs. They tend to be smaller due to having been made on portable looms and are distinguished by less elaborate execution as well as, in certain cases, bolder, more striking color palette. What amazes is that these carpets, although primitive and very old, are strangely sophisticated and surprisingly corresponding with modern aesthetic standards. Whether it is a Beni Ourain from the Rif Mountains or a Berber kilim, it beautifully fits into contemporary abodes, especially of a minimalistic, rustic or bohemian character.
Different peoples, including the Kurds, the Turks or the Azeri, were expert weavers and dyers who produced high-quality rugs. Every weaver poured his emotions, convictions and beliefs to the looms which resulted in each rug being absolutely one-of-a-kind. There are most probably no two identical nomadic-based carpets. Geometric representations of complex ideas laid the foundation for the later intricate city-based rug patterns. Tribal motifs are also the purest form of the “rug alphabet”, the most basic “letters” in the universal language of Oriental rugs.
If you would like to find out more about tribal rugs, do not hesitate to contact us by email [email protected] or call 212-517-9178. You are more than welcome to visit our gallery located on 306 East 61st Street, 7th Floor, New York and if by any chance you are visiting the capital, come to The Washington Design Centre at 1099 14th Street, N.W. Suite 325. We assure that our consultants will be at your disposal, serving with their expertise and kind advice.
