Afghan Gabbeh

Afghan GabbehA traditional variety of the Persian, Gabbeh carpets were traditionally used as a sleeping rug. Primitive and rough, these medium sized, hand woven pile rugs are characterized by an abstract design featuring open colour fields and playful geometry. Usually made by women, Gabbeh carpets are thicker and more coarse than other Persian carpets. Gabbeh is a Persian word that means raw, natural or uncut. Although the patterns are simple with little detail,

The lustrous wool of the Heriz is hand-spun from local sheep and naturally dyed with roots and vegetables

the designs of these archaic tapestry carpets have changed little in centuries

the artisan’s individual methods and precise timing of the wash produce subtle nuances and variations in each rug

which use silk

dense pile and pleasing colours

Khal Mohammadi developed the red toned uses in these rugs

Unusual among rural communities

The Zanjan is lively and bright

with some antique examples feeling almost velvety

Tekke and Yomut carpet styles

and its surrounding villages

The colours of the Tabriz vary as widely as the patterns