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QASHGAI OF
FARS
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| The major rug producers from the Fars region of southern
Persia are known as Qashgai. They are people of Turkic origin and are believed to have migrated from
Azerbaijan area in the 16th Century. They are pastoral nomads who measure prosperity by the size of their livestock herds and their status by the size of their family. Today few true nomads survive, although small groups of Qashgai tribal people still prefer the nomadic life and twice a year make the trek across the Zargros mountain range to new pastures. |
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The carpets of the Qashgai are the most beautiful of the Fars region and the patterns reflect the tribal connection with the north east
Persia and southern
Caucasus. |
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Rugs produced by all nomadic groups tend to be small and portable, but larger size Qashgai carpets are being produced in villages and workshops situated around the town of
Shiraz, the capital of the
Fars region. The rugs are constructed on timber framed looms using locally produced wool. The foundation of the carpet is usually natural wool, mixed with goat hair for extra strength. On to this the pile of the carpet is knotted using wool often coloured with vegetable dyes. |
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Weaving is by no means restricted to the production of rugs. Many items are woven for their personal uses and are of great interest to collectors and decorators. These include door and wall hangings, saddle cloths, camel bags and storage bags known as juvals. |
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A more commercial product is produced in the
Fars area copying the style of the Qashgai carpets. These are known as
Shiraz rugs, they tend to be less finely woven with fewer colours used but are generally less expensive to buy. Another style of rug produced by the Qashgai is the "Gabbeh". Gabbeh have large blocks of vivid colour decorated with randomly placed images of people and animals. They are in complete contrast to the intricate designs of the traditional Qashgai rug,
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A great many Qashgai are now settled. Life is very harsh for the nomads. If they can accumulate enough money to buy a house they are pleased to leave the wandering life behind. This rug merchant lives with his family in Shiraz. |
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