Roodbar
rugs originate from Roodbar, located in northern Iran, is well known
for its long rug runner style of weaving. In addition, Roodbar is a
major producer of olives, and generates electricity with windmills,
courtesy of the constant high winds. The weaving of rug runner style
carpets in Roodbar can be traced back over 3000 years. This time
honored tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.
In order to accommodate the nomadic lifestyle of the weavers, a
handmade horizontal loom is used because it is easily transported from
place to place. Durability is a must in a rug runner. Roodbar rugs are
known to wear extremely well due to its single weft construction,
excellent quality wool, and moderately high knot count (75 – 100 KPSI).
The local weavers use both Persian and Turkish knots.
Roodbar rugs typically features curvilinear designs in a repeating
all-over pattern with a center medallion. Small fish and floral
patterns reminiscent of the classic Herati design figure prominently on
Roodbar rugs. A variation of the theme features birds in a tree or
small animals. The backgrounds are dominated by strong colors, mostly
different shades of red and blue, with ivory providing the contrast.
Newer rugs will include the addition of softer shades of green, blue,
and brown. All of the colors are still created by natural vegetable
dyes.
The foundation on
Roodbar rugs is cotton, while the pile is wool. Historically the rug
runner was used over a donkey’s back. When the nomadic tribes were
living in tents, the rug runner was used at the door steps or to cover
an area next to the bed. Now we enhance our décor by using a rug runner
to grace our hallways and entrances. However, returning to one of its
original uses, we are more frequently seeing the rug runner being used
in bedrooms as well.