Bedouin
Weavings and Oriental Rugs
Rug weaving is an ancient craft whose beginnings
are traced a long way back in history. In the
Middle East, numerous ancient rug making tools
have
been excavated
at several archeological sites. The oldest hand-woven
pile carpet in existence dates from the fourth
century BC although as an art form, weaving reached
it's climax in Persia (now Iran) during the
16th century. This era has produced the classic
designs we are familiar with today. Weavers still
continue to get inspirations from these classic
designs. Persian rugs of this era are still considered
the most beautiful rug designs ever created as
well as the finest craftsmanship ever seen. These
rugs even inspired the Turkish weavers to imitate
some of this designs with slight variations by
incorporating traditional Turkish geometrical
patterns.
 Side by side with
these sophisticated court rugs were the humble carpets
and rugs of the
village and nomadic people of the Middle East (Bedouins).
Although these bedouin
weavings are not as fine and
sophisticated as the 'classic' rugs, they are nevertheless
beautiful.
Even the experts feel these rugs have more soul because
the hand of the weaver is present. These bedouins
do practically everything from raising the sheep
to shearing, spinning, dyeing, designing and weaving
the rug. Unlike the traditional oriental rugs, bedouin
weavings use pattern and motifs representing
their ethnic heritage.
Bedouins
usually carries rugs that
they can use
for sleeping
or
sitting.
The
ground area of their tents are not normally
covered except in the cases of wealthier Bedouins.
A tent
usually contains one or more rugs sewn together
each having dimensions of five to seven feet
wide. These rugs are also sometimes used
as tent partitions or curtain walls. These runner
rugs are usually made of sheep's
wool or goat's hair and then
dyed
to
achieve
desired
colors. Bedouin weaving is not confined though
to just rugs. Modern weaving includes wall
hangings, Islamic
prayer rugs,
saddle bags and costume
accessories for camels and horses, utility
bags, coffee bean/dates bag, shoulder
bags,
pillow
covers, window
cover, and many more.
Throughout the Middle East,
rugs are viewed not only
as objects of daily life
but
as a form of savings.
Beautiful carpets are often collected by families
and even kept in special bank vaults. These carpets
can be sold if money is needed. Carpets are loved
and
valued. They are also woven for export.
<--Back
|
