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History of Oriental Rugs
The history of oriental rugs is as old and debated as the religions that we base our beliefs upon. Rug weaving is one of the world’s
oldest and most untouched art forms. While many of the designs and production techniques have changed, the underlying basics of
oriental rugs and the amazing art form behind them remains virtually unchanged for nearly the last 3000 years. While the history behind
oriental rugs is intriguing and long, it is also confusing. While many references to oriental rugs are made in famous historical
documents such as the Bible, and Homer’s Illiad, most of the information that is gathered on oriental rugs must be taken form existing
rugs and antique rug fragments. This lack of information is due to changing languages in the middle-east and the lack of existing written
texts documenting oriental rug production and advances.
Why do rugs exist:
Lets begin with why rugs exist at all. There are two prevailing theories as to why rugs were created and have developed into the art form
we know, and each of these theories is debated heavily. These debates represent the never-ending struggle between form and
function.
The first theory gives credit to the nomadic and village peoples of the ancient middle-east. This theory contends that such ancient
peoples created piled carpets using crude and available materials in order to provide protection against the harsh elements.
This means that rugs were originally mad for completely utilitarian use and had no artistic value whatsoever. These piled textiles could
be used for anything from floor coverings, to saddle blankets or tent covering, etc. This theory would also contend that the origins of
oriental rug making began on horizontal, portable looms that would have been better suited for a nomadic lifestyle.
The second theory for the beginnings of oriental rugs contends that rugs were created for use as decoration. This theory credits a more
civilized and centralized group of people with the creation of one of the worlds greatest art forms. This theory also depicts such
people weaving the world’s first oriental rugs on vertical, permanent looms, using fine grade materials and intricate processes to create
aesthetic art.
The author would contend that neither theory is correct, but that the reality behind the creation of oriental rugs is a combination of the two.
Taking into account the lifestyles of some of the people that still exist in harsh conditions in rug weaving areas today, it is safe to say that
rugs were partially created for utilitarian use. But the fact also remains that when making this art, it takes just as long to make an artful
rug as it does to create a basic rug. If a person is to place so much effort into creating such an object, it might as well serve two
functions. Even today, evidence exists in some semi-nomadic cultures in which intricate art is used for utilitarian purpose. The bakhtiari
tribe uses very intricate, beautiful pile textile as saddle blankets and salt bags, but much effort is placed in having these objects reflect
the culture and art that these people live with. Inevitably, some rug creations would be finer than others, and some weavers would have
more skill in designing and creating these beautiful works, prompting some weavers to use finer materials and processes.
Using ancient rugs to tell us a story:
Because of the different and contrasting references to oriental rugs in ancient literature, it is nearly impossible to determine the
geographical region or time period in which the first oriental rugs appeared. Because the primary materials that are used in the creation
of oriental rugs are natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and silk, rugs are constantly subject to eventual deterioration. When well
maintained, rugs can last many decades if not centuries. But inevitably, all natural fibers succomb to time, and in the case of wool
fibers, eventually crystallize and turn in to a powder.
Consequently, examples of extremely old and rare oriental rugs are hard to find, and are therefore also extremely valuable. Because of
this, historians and rug enthusiasts are required to rely upon just a few examples of ancient textile to determine what little we know about
this timeless artform. With major discoveries taking place as little as just 50 years ago, scientist and historianshave recreated histories
for the processes and cultures behind oriental rugs based uponexisting antique carpets and carpet fragments.
The most famous existing ancient rug is known as the Pazyryk, or Altai carpet. This is the world’s oldest known existing carpet that is
nearly intact and is in good condition. In the summer of 1949, a team of Russian archaeologists, led by Sergei I. Rudenko, uncovered an
ancient burial tomb in the Highland Valleys of the Altai Mountains in Siberia. In the local Telengit language, this area is known as the
Pazyryk, or the Valley of the Dead. This area is aptly named due to the number of tombs that have been found there, a total of 21 since
the first was found in 1929. Each tomb is called a “kurgan”, and five of the 21 tombs found were those of a tsar. The tomb in which the
Pazyryk carpet was found was believed to have been created in the 4th or 5th centuries B.C. The builders of these tombs were early
nomadic people that have been termed as Scythians. The Pazyryk Carpet was found in the kurgan of a Scythian warrior prince. This
tomb had been disturbed centuries before by grave robbers, with the intruder taking only metals and precious stones, leaving
behind a rug and a few other imported objects. In a hasty escape, the robbers left the tomb open and damaged. By leaving the tomb
open, the thieves inadvertently preserved the Pazyryk carpet nearly perfectly. When the seasonal rains came, the tomb flooded and
eventually froze the entire tomb in a block of ice, including the carpet. When the Russian team found the tomb in 1949, the artifacts were
still wonderfully preserved within the ice, providing the rug community with the oldest, nearly intact rug in the world.
Carbon dating provided in 1994 by the State Hermitage Museum and the Institute of Technology in St. Petersburg confirmed that the
Pazyryk carpet is as old as 440-360 B.C. That’s approximately 2500 years old! Not to mention that beyond its age, the design and
quality of the weave is absolutely amazing. The carpet is composed of approximately 240 symmetrical knots per square inch, which was
previously thought to be beyond the methods and technology of the time. Construction of this nature changed what the world knew about
textile construction of ancient times. The size of the rug is 6x6.5 ft (1.83x1.98 m.) The color palette is composed of a terra cotta colored
central field, with the design composed of blues, yellows, and beiges. The design itself is relatively simple. The field design contains
repeating cross-like symbols which resemble roof and floor tiles produced by ancient Armenians and Persians. This would lead some
people to attribute the workmanship of the rug to the Armenians, but the same tiled cross pattern is displayed in multiple areas among
Europe, often symbolizing divine light, or even “God the Creator.”
Surrounding the repeating tile central field are five concentric borders. The first border on the inside is a repeating pattern where
octagons resembling the popular gul motif are displayed. The second border shows a procession of elks. The design and coloration of
these elks are similar to those found in many places in the middle east, but due to the markings on the shoulders, can be traced more
accurately to areas surrounding the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis. Nearly exact replications of these motifs are found
in paintings, statues, and stone reliefs in this area. The third border exhibits a repeating pattern of the same tiles that are represented in
the central field. The fourth border, which is the largest and the most ornate, is filled with clues and hints as to who is responsible
for the creation of this rug. This border showcases a procession of detailed horsemen. Each side of this nearly square rug as seven
horsemen, the number of horses that were often buried with high ranking Armenian officials in order to make the transition into the
afterlife as easy as possible. The riders of these horses are comforted by saddle-blankets that display a pattern which is
indistinguishable. Some of these riders are dismounted and lead their horses by walking on their left side. This is again a design
found in artifacts near the ancient capitol of Persepolis, leading most historians to attribute Persian workmanship to this rug.
And so this is a general idea of how the history of oriental rugs is constructed. To truly pinpoint the who, where, when, and how of
oriental rugs may very well be impossible, but the history of oriental carpets is an outstanding and constantly unfolding story. It is also
one that is too large and uncharted to be immediatley researched and explained.
oldest and most untouched art forms. While many of the designs and production techniques have changed, the underlying basics of
oriental rugs and the amazing art form behind them remains virtually unchanged for nearly the last 3000 years. While the history behind
oriental rugs is intriguing and long, it is also confusing. While many references to oriental rugs are made in famous historical
documents such as the Bible, and Homer’s Illiad, most of the information that is gathered on oriental rugs must be taken form existing
rugs and antique rug fragments. This lack of information is due to changing languages in the middle-east and the lack of existing written
texts documenting oriental rug production and advances.
Why do rugs exist:
Lets begin with why rugs exist at all. There are two prevailing theories as to why rugs were created and have developed into the art form
we know, and each of these theories is debated heavily. These debates represent the never-ending struggle between form and
function.
The first theory gives credit to the nomadic and village peoples of the ancient middle-east. This theory contends that such ancient
peoples created piled carpets using crude and available materials in order to provide protection against the harsh elements.
This means that rugs were originally mad for completely utilitarian use and had no artistic value whatsoever. These piled textiles could
be used for anything from floor coverings, to saddle blankets or tent covering, etc. This theory would also contend that the origins of
oriental rug making began on horizontal, portable looms that would have been better suited for a nomadic lifestyle.
The second theory for the beginnings of oriental rugs contends that rugs were created for use as decoration. This theory credits a more
civilized and centralized group of people with the creation of one of the worlds greatest art forms. This theory also depicts such
people weaving the world’s first oriental rugs on vertical, permanent looms, using fine grade materials and intricate processes to create
aesthetic art.
The author would contend that neither theory is correct, but that the reality behind the creation of oriental rugs is a combination of the two.
Taking into account the lifestyles of some of the people that still exist in harsh conditions in rug weaving areas today, it is safe to say that
rugs were partially created for utilitarian use. But the fact also remains that when making this art, it takes just as long to make an artful
rug as it does to create a basic rug. If a person is to place so much effort into creating such an object, it might as well serve two
functions. Even today, evidence exists in some semi-nomadic cultures in which intricate art is used for utilitarian purpose. The bakhtiari
tribe uses very intricate, beautiful pile textile as saddle blankets and salt bags, but much effort is placed in having these objects reflect
the culture and art that these people live with. Inevitably, some rug creations would be finer than others, and some weavers would have
more skill in designing and creating these beautiful works, prompting some weavers to use finer materials and processes.
Using ancient rugs to tell us a story:
Because of the different and contrasting references to oriental rugs in ancient literature, it is nearly impossible to determine the
geographical region or time period in which the first oriental rugs appeared. Because the primary materials that are used in the creation
of oriental rugs are natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and silk, rugs are constantly subject to eventual deterioration. When well
maintained, rugs can last many decades if not centuries. But inevitably, all natural fibers succomb to time, and in the case of wool
fibers, eventually crystallize and turn in to a powder.
Consequently, examples of extremely old and rare oriental rugs are hard to find, and are therefore also extremely valuable. Because of
this, historians and rug enthusiasts are required to rely upon just a few examples of ancient textile to determine what little we know about
this timeless artform. With major discoveries taking place as little as just 50 years ago, scientist and historianshave recreated histories
for the processes and cultures behind oriental rugs based uponexisting antique carpets and carpet fragments.
The most famous existing ancient rug is known as the Pazyryk, or Altai carpet. This is the world’s oldest known existing carpet that is
nearly intact and is in good condition. In the summer of 1949, a team of Russian archaeologists, led by Sergei I. Rudenko, uncovered an
ancient burial tomb in the Highland Valleys of the Altai Mountains in Siberia. In the local Telengit language, this area is known as the
Pazyryk, or the Valley of the Dead. This area is aptly named due to the number of tombs that have been found there, a total of 21 since
the first was found in 1929. Each tomb is called a “kurgan”, and five of the 21 tombs found were those of a tsar. The tomb in which the
Pazyryk carpet was found was believed to have been created in the 4th or 5th centuries B.C. The builders of these tombs were early
nomadic people that have been termed as Scythians. The Pazyryk Carpet was found in the kurgan of a Scythian warrior prince. This
tomb had been disturbed centuries before by grave robbers, with the intruder taking only metals and precious stones, leaving
behind a rug and a few other imported objects. In a hasty escape, the robbers left the tomb open and damaged. By leaving the tomb
open, the thieves inadvertently preserved the Pazyryk carpet nearly perfectly. When the seasonal rains came, the tomb flooded and
eventually froze the entire tomb in a block of ice, including the carpet. When the Russian team found the tomb in 1949, the artifacts were
still wonderfully preserved within the ice, providing the rug community with the oldest, nearly intact rug in the world.
Carbon dating provided in 1994 by the State Hermitage Museum and the Institute of Technology in St. Petersburg confirmed that the
Pazyryk carpet is as old as 440-360 B.C. That’s approximately 2500 years old! Not to mention that beyond its age, the design and
quality of the weave is absolutely amazing. The carpet is composed of approximately 240 symmetrical knots per square inch, which was
previously thought to be beyond the methods and technology of the time. Construction of this nature changed what the world knew about
textile construction of ancient times. The size of the rug is 6x6.5 ft (1.83x1.98 m.) The color palette is composed of a terra cotta colored
central field, with the design composed of blues, yellows, and beiges. The design itself is relatively simple. The field design contains
repeating cross-like symbols which resemble roof and floor tiles produced by ancient Armenians and Persians. This would lead some
people to attribute the workmanship of the rug to the Armenians, but the same tiled cross pattern is displayed in multiple areas among
Europe, often symbolizing divine light, or even “God the Creator.”
Surrounding the repeating tile central field are five concentric borders. The first border on the inside is a repeating pattern where
octagons resembling the popular gul motif are displayed. The second border shows a procession of elks. The design and coloration of
these elks are similar to those found in many places in the middle east, but due to the markings on the shoulders, can be traced more
accurately to areas surrounding the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis. Nearly exact replications of these motifs are found
in paintings, statues, and stone reliefs in this area. The third border exhibits a repeating pattern of the same tiles that are represented in
the central field. The fourth border, which is the largest and the most ornate, is filled with clues and hints as to who is responsible
for the creation of this rug. This border showcases a procession of detailed horsemen. Each side of this nearly square rug as seven
horsemen, the number of horses that were often buried with high ranking Armenian officials in order to make the transition into the
afterlife as easy as possible. The riders of these horses are comforted by saddle-blankets that display a pattern which is
indistinguishable. Some of these riders are dismounted and lead their horses by walking on their left side. This is again a design
found in artifacts near the ancient capitol of Persepolis, leading most historians to attribute Persian workmanship to this rug.
And so this is a general idea of how the history of oriental rugs is constructed. To truly pinpoint the who, where, when, and how of
oriental rugs may very well be impossible, but the history of oriental carpets is an outstanding and constantly unfolding story. It is also
one that is too large and uncharted to be immediatley researched and explained.
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Rugs 101 - Information Center for Oriental Rugs __________________