Origin of Carpets – a Short history of Rugs and Rug Making
In the 21st century, rugs have become a part of homes and offices around the world. When we talk about the history of rugs, the noted history of woven forms of floor coverings goes back to 7000 BC (Neolithic Age).
In the beginning, humans used wool knitted heavy clothes that helped them to survive in the adverse climate conditions. With the passage of time, our ancestors realized that large woven piece of wool cloths can also be used as floor coverings. They didn’t want any direct contact with the ground while sleeping.
The rudimentary forms of covering the floor led to the invention of rugs. There is evidence of decorated tents that nomads used to carry along their journey. However, with the passage of time, rug making became a fine art than a necessity.
Credit goes to all the early artisans who designed the beautiful patterns, vibrant colors, invented ways to dye, and produced the first rugs. The early craftsmen are the reason that we now decorate our living areas with alluring rugs.
Places of Origin
It’s hard to conclude the place of rug origin because the art of rug making spread over the centuries. However, during the excavations, archeologists found many rug pieces around the world. Based on the fragments found during the dig ups, there is a strong evidence that carpet weaving was carried out in the Middle East during the 3rd century BC.
Therefore, Middle East is known around the world as the cradle of carpet weaving. The first evidence is from the land of Turks which then went on to Persia, Anatolia, China, and India. This whole range of locations is called “The Oriental Carpet Belt” because of the intense history of carpet weaving.
Even in the modern times, the rug enthusiasts give importance to the oriental rugs because of the quality of artistry, color scheme and patterns, and natural material. The art of rug making evolved during the It went on until the 8th century AD when Islamic empire started to build.
Islamic Empire and Rugs
Before the Islam came into existence, rugs were a part of Arabic lifestyle. They used carpets for sheltering their resources when a sandstorm strikes. However, the Islamic ritual of praying five times a day is also performed on carpets. No matter it’s an individual or a group of people offering prayer in a mosque, rugs are there.
Therefore, rug making became a necessity within the areas Muslims conquered to expand the Islamic Empire. Hundreds of thousands of people were trained to become rug craftsmen to meet the need of rugs within the Muslim conquered areas.
Rugs as storytellers
There were several rugs found with the unearthing that represents specific times and cultures. Rugs made with natural dyes and fabrics are called “antique” rugs. You will find special characters, symbols, and signs on the antiques. The symbols designed on the rugs also represent specific incidents like wars, etc.
Rug enthusiasts love to buy antique rugs no matter the price. There are several rugs sold by the top auction firms, around the world.
