Afshar Persian Area Rugs

Afshars are tribal rugs that are handwoven by the nomadic Afshar peoples of southern Iran. They usually incorporate the stylized 'Botteh' image (an old Persian design that resembles a cluster of leaves) in some form as the central elements, together with a pronounced geometric arrowhead and floral border pattern sometimes entwined within a lattice of leaves. Afshar design forms might also include the geometric pear and hens as border patterns, often against an ivory colored field. Afshars are frequently mistaken for Shiraz, even in the trade. They are indeed quite similar in appearance. Afshar weavers love bright and lively colors to brighten up their simple homes and tents. Afshars tend to be smaller since they are woven on simply constructed horizontal looms on the ground, which are easily dismantled and transportable. The owner of an authentic Afshar rug will have a unique and timeless piece of art that will bring life to any dull room. 

History of Afshar Rugs 

Nomadic tribes in this area, which stretches from the great southern Fars province of Iran through parts of the province of Kerman, have a long history of rug weaving using strong Turkish and Kurdish weaving influences and techniques. The famous Gabbeh is produced in the southern part of this vast province and the Afshar and Qashqai regions are also situated here. The Afshar tribes are within the province of Kerman while Qashqai tribes are spread across the two provinces and some other parts of southern Iran. Some rug weaving centers include the ancient and historic city of Shiraz which is in Fars, the famous city of Kerman which is in the province of Kerman, and the towns of Abadeh, Sirjan, and many other villages and nomadic colonies spread along these regions. These rugs were not originally made to sell commercially. Rather, people who wove them were following an ancient custom that has been a part of the Iranian heritage for over 3500 years. Younger girls begin weaving early to demonstrate their preparedness for marriage and to offer their handiwork as part of their dowry and it is custom for most women to have this wonderful talent which is rug weaving. 

Construction of Afshar Rugs 

These rugs of this southern region of Iran are hand-woven usually with symmetrical Turkish knots up-to a density of 100 knots per sq. in. The wrap and weft structure is strong, durable cotton or in some cases, goat hair. The pile of the rugs is made of very lustrous and fine wool that has been shorn from local herds of sheep, and colored mainly with natural vegetable and root dyes. The simple and gentle weavers here are very fond of bright lively colors because it brings enchantment to their plain and primitive homes. These rugs are truly unique and priceless treasures, which took these benevolent nomadic weavers months to complete. There will absolutely never be a duplicate of one of these rugs anywhere. There might be a piece similar to another, but never one identical to another. This is because each rug is a self expression of that individual weaver and there is no paper design or blueprint used. This is what makes these rugs so special and unique.