Gabbeh Oriental Rugs

Gabbeh

Bidjar

Peshawar

Persian

Tribal

Antique

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GABBEH ORIENTAL RUGS

GABBEH Oriental rugs are tribal woven rugs which come from Fars Province in southwestern Iran. Located in the ZAGROS mountain range, this area is one of the most historic and ancient of Iran whose capitol is the city of SHIRAZ. The name Persia for the whole of what we now call Iran was adapted from its ancient name Persis. It has long been the home of many nomadic and semi-nomadic tribal groups who continue a way of life that harks back millennia. The best rugs come from primarily the Qashqai (sometimes spelled Gashgai), a TURKIC tribe that is one of the most important and significant tribes of Iran. They are fiercely independent, possessing great dignity and culture. Qashkai women take great pride and lavish much attention to every detail of their rug making. This important tribe is comprised of a number of sub tribes including the Kashkuli, Ammaleh, and Darashuri. The Luri are another tribal group weaving good GABBEH carpets and rugs called LURIBAFT, literally made by the Luri.

Animal husbandry forms a cornerstone of these tribal groups' life and livelihood. Not only do they derive a great part of their sustenance from their vast flocks of sheep, but these flocks also supply them with the superb quality of wool they use in their carpets. Depending on the seasons of the year they graze their sheep on mountain or in valley pastures. It may very well be that their breed of sheep, raised in this geographic area and climate (they use the term terroir in the wine world), is responsible for the quality of this wool that far surpasses wool found in some of even the most expensive Iranian city carpets. The fact that they hand spin and vegetable dye this wool realizes its full potential. The people gather vegetable material that grows wild in their environs for the dyes.

For the most part, the looms upon which the rugs are woven are made of rough tree limbs and lie horizontal only inches above the ground. The women sit on the rug moving along as they weave. The loom can easily be taken up and brought with them if they need to follow their flocks. I particularly look for the work of the Kaskuli as they are arguably the best weavers and their geometric and stylized floral motifs and designs reflect their long cultural and weaving heritage. Most of my collection has been woven by them but we also have Ammaleh and Luribaft rugs, some with contemporary patterns. With over forty years experience in the Oriental rug trade I can tell you unequivocally that this is an exceptional category of rugs that I highly recommend. In craftsmanship, quality of materials, design and color they are truly of heirloom quality.

The Iranian movie GABBEH, directed by Mohsen Makmalbaf, is a poignant story about a young tribal woman woven as a motif in a Gabbeh rug who comes to life to tell her story. Done in a documentary style, it depicts Qashqai daily life and rug making which you will find stimulating and interesting. It is still available.