Soumak Rug | © Rugman

Origin of Soumak Rugs

A Soumak is a flatwoven rug in the Kilim weaving category. This type of rug is produced in the Caucasus region and by Persian tribes. They are made for daily use, as floor coverings, bags, transport bags, storage bags, cushions, insulation from harsh weather, and other tribal functions. Soumak rugs are known in the antique market from the eighteenth century.

Formats range from bag face rugs to small room-size carpets. Most room-size formats are less than twelve feet by nine feet. The rugs are made from medium to fine in grade quality.

History of Soumak Rugs

Persian tribal Soumak weavers, such as the Afshar, Kurd, and Qashqai, first form the foundation with the warp and weft, and the wrapping weft is used to form the design of the rug. Notably, the supplemental or wrapping-weft wool color ends are left loose in the back of Soumak rugs; therefore, these weavings are used only on one side. The Shahsavan do not use a separate foundation weft.

Early Soumak carpets are finely woven and are beautiful in coloration and design. These Soumak weavings are in high demand by collectors in the antique market who are willing to pay uniformly high prices for them.

Characteristics of Soumak Rugs

  • Material and Knots

Soumaks have a wool warp, with a wool or cotton weft. Along with the warp and weft, the Soumak technique employs additional wefts called a “wrapping” weft. Generally, the wrapping weft is applied by weavers using supplemental wefts horizontally over four warps and brought to the back under two warps. This weft-count method can also be done going forward two warps and brought backward under one warp. This method is repeated after each standard weft throughout the weaving. Supplemental wefts are applied diagonally or vertically to form the Soumak designs.

  • Color

Soumaks usually have a brick-red background; a small percentage have ivory, gold, or blue. Along with these colors, different shades of brown, green, cinnamon, and gray are used for the borders, medallions, and design elements.

  • Design and Pattern

The designs woven are geometric, with either medallions or allover patterns. Among Soumak allover patterns, the Dragon style is the oldest and most famous. Large allover palmettes are also common in Soumaks. The designs include flower heads, leaves, animals, birds, the Star, S, and EE motifs, and other tribal elements.

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