Gabbeh Rugs

From the world of the Persian rugs, come the Gabbeh rugs. What are these Gabbeh rugs? These are actually tribal rugs which are woven in areas such as the south central Zagros Mountains in Iran and their surrounding plains. These type of floor rugs have been woven for centuries by women of the Kurdish, Luri and Qashqai tribes.

The word ‘Gabbeh’ actually means natural, raw or uncut. It can also mean something that is rough. True to its name, the Gabbeh rugs are coarsely woven tribal rugs. The beauty of these rugs is the fact that they exclusively woven and knotted by women for their own personal use. These  area rugs are not commercially manufactured for sale. So it is common to see designs of the rugs representing the women’s artistic sense and spirit. These designs are almost always a representation of their life.

When you look at a Gabbeh rug, you will see that it has a very thick pile. The weaving may be coarse and has low knot density. Design wise, the motifs are limited and are usually geometric and symbolic. The weavers of the rug may be telling a story, or showing off a scene or a landscape. Some weavers even use the rugs as a way to express their emotions.

You will also notice that the Gabbeh layout is often directional or asymmetrical. In telling a story, or depicting a landscape, figures and symbols may represent animals and other objects. This is one of the reasons why many people collect Gabbeh rugs. The story that each rug tells is unique and completely distinct, especially compared to other types of Persian rugs.

In terms of color, you will soon realize that the Gabbeh rugs are traditionally woven with bright colors, like yellow and red. Even if there is a major portion of solid color on a rug, this solid color will vary through the rug. The variegated color of the rug is a result from the irregularities in the dyestuff as well as the handspun wool used in making the rug.

Natural plant and vegetable dyes are used in making the designs. These dyes come from native plants and roots that can be found in the mountain ranges of Zagros. The dyes are made using an age old recipe passed down over the centuries. Some of the materials often used in making dyes include walnut husks, madder rot, pomegranate skin and indigo. The natural colors are another plus point of the rug, as they embody the true nature of a tribal rug.

There are several styles of Gabbeh rugs that you should look out for. The first is the basic Gabbeh rug, which has a coarse weave and few knots per inch. This rug is thick and has a plush wool pile. Not many designs elements are present. It commonly portrays geometrical shapes in bold bright colors. It also has tribal depictions of people and animals. The next is the Amalehbaft Gabbeh rug. This rug has a medium tighter weave and a shorter pile with even less designs than the basic Gabbeh. After that you have the Kashkoli Gabbeh which has fine weave and a short pile. This rug also comes in simple yet colorful geometrical designs. This rug however has a nicer sheen than the previous two types.

The fourth type of Gabbeh is the Luribaft. This rug has a fine weave with a short pile. This type has more sophisticated design elements which are reminiscent of the Persian rug. The Luribaft also has a nice sheen, like the Kashkoli. Next is the Gabbeh Sumak which is a bit different as it is not a pile rug, but rather a flat woven rug. The designs may be tribal and colorful, yet they are very detailed. The final type of Gabbeh is the Baluch Sumak, which are also flat woven rugs. The designs are about the same as the Gabbeh Sumak, but they are not as colorful.

How are these rugs woven? Traditionally these rugs are woven on horizontal looms. These looms can be easily and quickly assembled, which made it easier for these nomadic people to carry around. They are made using locally handspun wool from sheep. This wool is often spun and carded by the womenfolk and all this is done by hand.

Today, there are many imitation Gabbeh rugs that are produced in other areas besides Iran. These rugs may not be hand woven and may use cheap chemical dyes and cotton foundations instead of wool. So be careful when purchasing a Gabbeh for your home.

A Gabbeh rug can look really exquisite in the home. It is unique and individual, distinct and stylish. No two rugs are exactly the same. Your home would definitely benefit from the use of a Gabbeh rug. Click here if you're in the market for a Gabbeh rug sale.