Persian Nomadic Rugs: Complete Guide

When you see a Nomadic rug, you can recognize it at once by its simple patterns, always strictly geometrical, sharp, rather stiff, and angular. These are always composed of a series of medallions, large or small. This is an identifying feature of the work of Nomads. So when you see a rug that is made up of sharp angular designs and medallions, you can be absolutely positive that you are looking at a product of some isolated, unknown nomad who never dreamed as he sat making his rug that it would adorn the floor of some foreign home, to be looked upon as a cherished possession. There are dozens of rug names to distinguish the different tribes which produce these rugs, yet the rugs within the “Nomad” classification have characteristics in common. Not only are their patterns all sharp and angular but their colors are bright, gay, and bold reflecting the weaver’s wild, bold existence.

migrate with their families, dogs, goats, herds of sheep and and if they are lucky camels. They travel through the snowy mountains, valleys, and raging rivers of what was once called Persia. The women teach their daughters how to weave, leaving the fathers and sons to lead the way and protect them from harm as they migrate. Every tribe is different but their main focus is herding their sheep. Simple nomads live from day to day. They do not plan for the future for they have nothing to plan for. They know that they will move to another pasture when the green grass where they are is gone. But beyond that they do not look ahead. Their weaving shows a lack of insight. Medallions can be repeated to make a long runner and terminated when migration begins. It would be hard for a nomad to plan a complicated pattern; it would be simply impossible for the nomad to remain physically in one place long enough to complete a large complicated rug. Consequently all their rugs are small in size, or they are runners.

Many routes taken by their ancestors for thousands of years are still used today but times have changed and their way of life is fading. Some historians say they will be gone within the next 20 years.

Nomadic Rugs are Extremely Unique

No two rugs are the same. Woven on ground looms that were made from sticks and branches they collected along the way. Symbolic artful characters were nearly always the focus of their weaving. Girls would depict themselves or even the whole family including pet goats into their designs.

Inspired by their surroundings they still weave trees of life that depict a direct path from Earth to Heaven or Leaves that give endless regeneration. Stars are spiritual and bring good luck. Nomads are very superstitious.

Every Color, Pattern and Symbol Represents the Nomadic Tribal Journey

 Pomegranates that flourish in that part of the world represent Fertility. Camels stand for wealth and prosperity while the Dog represents protection, trust and defence. Often birds such as the Peacock, standing for immortality, were combined with Parrots to help the weaver escape from danger. Learning the meaning of and being able to recognize artistic symbology in Nomadic Rugs is quite fascinating. Consider the weaver, trying to tell a story about her fears and wishes in a distant place and time. Interpret her story from a nomadic life passed down through the ages-through wool that came from the very animals they lived and traveled with. Unique creations constructed from the Weaver’s imagination and from her observations of the changing environment through which the tribe passes. We offer many of these Nomadic Gabbeh Rugs here at Truckeerug.com in Downtown Auburn, California.