What makes a tribal rug distinct from other hand woven rugs?

Its complicated!

Most countries in the middle and near east have a history of identifiable tribes. Members may now live in towns and cities, or of course elsewhere in the world. But claiming those roots is a matter of pride for many. Weavers, rug dealers and western traders delight in noting such origins. Tribes may move so for example there are Turkic origin Afshar tribes in SW and NW Persia and also in Turkey and Afghanistan.

Some tribes still have nomadic populations, following ancient traditions, moving between summer and winter grazing grounds for their animals, or choosing wherever their crops can best grow. Many such nomads stopped travelling and settled in villages and towns. Their agrarian or pastoral culture increasingly became unsustainable. Modern consumer culture with its many comforts must answer for the tragic loss of some ecologically unmatched ways of life.

We are showing as part of our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 exhibition; Back to the Nomads Tent, some rugs from weavers who are almost entirely settled but to some extent manage to carry the traditions of the past. One of the effects of being settled is connecting more directly with the wider rug weaving world and the adoption of ideas from elsewhere, including contemporary designs.