Tribal rugs represent visual history and communication translated into weaving. Made with hand-spun wool on easily portable looms, weavers were nomadic and semi-nomadic sheep and goat herders in geographic areas that ranged from North Africa to Afghanistan. Tribal rugs were also made by nomadic people who settled in villages but continued the patterns and techniques of their ancestors. Famous tribal rugs include the octagon "gul" motifs of Turkoman rugs, the repeating geometrics of Bokhara rugs, the Herati (fish) of Kurdish Bijar rugs, thick and cozy Gabbeh rugs (originally sleeping rugs) made by several Iranian tribes, and the acclaimed hand-knotted rugs made by the Qashqai tribe of southern Iran. Tribal rugs also include kilims (see Flat Weave).
Most tribal rugs are "double-weft' meaning the weft yarn is passed twice between each row of knots. Tribal rugs have a lower knot count than "city rugs" which gives them a striking visible handmade appeal. Although some tribal geometric designs rugs and colors changed due to consumer demand, most still retain vivid aspects and motifs from tribal heritage. Tribal rugs are usually woven in schematic repeating patterns that generally include geometric elements and often animal or plant designs. Patterns were memorized and not archived on paper or as "sample" rugs. Weavers sometimes incorporated their own "free style" elements, while designs that are now seen as abstract were in many cases identifiable designs that became abstracted over time.
Tribal rugs are prized by decorators for their eye-catching patterns and colors as well as their general affordability. The deliberately limited design, solid fields, and colors of Gabbeh rugs make them one of the most affordable and desirable types of tribal rug. Our vintage and antique tribal rugs come from various countries, while our new rugs based on tribal designs are woven in Pakistan and India.
Tribal & Geometric
Ruby Red, Vintage Persian Lilihan, Full Pile, All Over Flower Design with Distinct Abrash, Clean, Soft, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391560
Exact Size: 9'0" x 12'2"
$4,224
$1,795
FREE SHIPPING
Midnight Blue, Antique Persian Hamadan, Evenly Worn Pile, Intricate Geometric Design, Clean, Soft, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391555
Exact Size: 3'1" x 13'2"
$4,694
$1,995
FREE SHIPPING
Carmine Red, Vintage Persian Karajeh, Clean, Soft, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391540
Exact Size: 3'9" x 9'6"
$1,400
$595
FREE SHIPPING
Rust Red, Vintage Persian Heriz, Clean, Soft, Evenly Worn Pile, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391535
Exact Size: 9'6" x 13'3"
$4,647
$1,975
FREE SHIPPING
Angels Red, Antique Tourkaman, Clean, Even Soft Pile, Elephant Feet Gul Design, Super Dense Weave, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391525
Exact Size: 6'10" x 9'7"
$8,176
$3,475
FREE SHIPPING
Rust Red, Antique Afghan Ersari with Elephant Feet Design, Clean, Low Even Pile, Gallery Size, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391520
Exact Size: 6'3" x 13'3"
$7,000
$2,975
FREE SHIPPING
Brick Red, Antique Persian Heriz, Clean and in Very Good Condition, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug
SKU : 391515
Exact Size: 8'1" x 10'4"
$8,176
$3,475
FREE SHIPPING
Mist Gray, Hand Knotted, Persian Village Inspired Geometric Elements Design, Natural Dyes, Denser Weave, Pure Wool, Round, Oriental Rug
SKU : 50395
Exact Size: 13'8" x 13'10"
$14,716
$6,254
FREE SHIPPING
Cloud Gray, Persian Village Inspired Geometric Elements Design, Pure Wool, Natural Dyes, Denser Weave, Hand Knotted, Oriental Oversized Rug
SKU : 50390
Exact Size: 12'0" x 14'8"
$13,699
$5,822
FREE SHIPPING
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