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 The Gabbeh is a very simple hand-woven tribal rug made by nomadic people in
southern Iran and India. Its distinctive naive style is especially suited to
modern and eclectic interiors. The early weaver was given only the cotton
for the base, along with dyed woolen yarn. He had no pattern, but looked at
his surroundings and reproduced what he saw. Therefore each carpet is
unique.
Generally on a thick, heavy pile it combines large uncluttered fields with
the occasional geometric human or animal silhouette. Sometimes there are
over-all abstract patterns or bold stripes.
History & Construction of Gabbeh Rugs
From the great southern province of Fars, through parts of the province of
Kerman, nomadic tribes have a long history of rug weaving. Afshar, Qashqa'i,
Gabbeh and others tribal rugs are produced in the southern part of this vast
area. Strong Turkish and Kurdish weaving influences and techniques are also
visible, especially in the use of the symmetrical Turkish knot, woven up to
a density of 100 knots per sq. in. The foundation is strong, durable cotton,
or in more naive cases, wool or goat hair. The pile is of very lustrous,
fine wool that has been shorn from local herds and colored mainly with
natural vegetable and root dyes. These simple, gentle weavers are naturally
fond of bright, lively colors for their primitive homes. They produce naive
rugs that are unique treasures and may take many months to complete.
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