Handmade rugs from the Caucasus – of which Kazak is the best known type – are one of the three main classes of handwoven rugs that create the umbrella term "Oriental rug". The other two are Turkish rugs and Persian rugs. Kazak has become a general term to describe a variety of regional and village rugs woven in the Caucasus. Unlike Persian rugs, Kazak rug designs aren't linked to villages, tribes and cities. The overarching designs have a tribal look and feel, with a liveliness sometimes associated with folk art. Kazak rugs are known for strong color contrasts and striking geometric designs hand-knotted with the symmetrical Ghiordes (Turkish) knot in a rich array of colors created with a slow-dye method that fully saturates the wool. The warp and the weft are often wool whereas most rugs have a cotton warp. The geometric shapes are often symbolic; some are believed to date as far back as the Paleolithic era. Large-scale geometric medallions are augmented with animal and bird figures and patterns known as Stars of Wisdom, Ram's Horn, Running Water and Wheels of Life. Kazak rugs were introduced to Europe in the 19th century and quickly became popular. Antique Kazak rugs tend to be of small sizes reflecting the relatively small homes of the weavers. New Kazak-inspired rugs are often made in larger sizes that match contemporary rooms. Colors in new rugs often mimic original Kazak rugs creating a style that is hugely appealing to contemporary designers.