What is a Tribal Rug?

When someone thinks of foreign rugs, they normally toss them under a specific broad label. For example, Persian rugs are on occasion mislabeled as Oriental rugs, and vise versa. There are many different labels through the world, ranging from Indian rugs to Tibetian rugs. In this case, we're going to take a look at a fantastic title of rugs that fall under these label categories: Tribal rugs. 

History behind the Tribal Rugs

 
When it comes to Tribal rugs, they are considered to be gorgeous and skillfully hand knotted carpets made by the nomadic tribes in different countries. Tribal rugs express a symbolic meaning as they represent global cultures and a multi dimensional art form that defines the rug making artistry. These Tribal rugs feature various designs and usually demonstrate beauty in its simplest forms. An excellent alternative for both traditional and transitional rugs, Tribal rugs make decent flooring pieces for children’s, families and living room.

Materials and Texture

 
Only the skilled Western tribes appeared to have developed the complex knotted pile technique. Wool has been used to create felts for tents and flat woven clothes throughout Central Asia. However, the Mongols of the East never used the knotted pile weave technique like its neighbors.

Weaving Techniques

 
Up until the 19th century, not much was known about the Tribal rug weaving. Even the term, “Tribal” was slackly used. The story goes, that many tribes who once were nomads and roamed around from place to place had settled into villages’ centuries ago. There were other tribes that led semi nomadic lives, traveling from place to place with their flocks. The weaving of the Tribal carpets portray a strong local essence as they feature traditional and heraldic motifs and designs which change over the course of centuries. The designs were passed down from generation to generation. However, the identity of the weaving groups and the pride of the weaver’s family were expressed in the objects of personal expression as the rugs weren’t meant for commercial business.

 
Designs and Patterns

 
Tribal carpets are many things but their most common appeal is their tribal style patterns and designs that feature the complex nature of design motifs. These intricate designs are graphed onto a piece of paper to help the weavers replicate the difficult patterns. A typical Tribal rug, however is often seen to be build up of several repetitive motifs in a given field with different combinations of color palettes. Due to this fact, the Tribal weavers were able to memorize the motifs and were able to manufacture the carpets without any help or aid from professionals or samplers. In a typical Tribal rug one can easily see the playful details that a weaver improvised in a layout fashion and expressed their sense of individuality.

Available Sizes

Tribal Carpets are available in many different sizes. Such as, 6 x 9, 8 x 10, 9 x 12, 10 x 14, 12 x 15, 13 x 18, 14 x 19, and 14 x 22. These beautiful hand knotted rugs also come as runner rugs. Tribal rugs normally range from small to mid-size although large rugs can be found. Check out our Tribal rugs for sale.