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.