Kilim

This is a particular type of Oriental flat woven rug without a pile (which preceded the pile rug) and is manufactured mainly by nomads in Persia, Afghanistan, Turkey and in various regions of the Caucasus. These textiles are rather small with a plain weave and no pile and they have got geometric patterns and rich colours. In order to weave them, natural materials like wool are used and sometimes silk for lightweight and delicate rugs. The colouring of yarns is done with plants and minerals that contribute to natural, beautiful colours. The long history of Kilim rugs goes back centuries to the nomads of Central Asia. Initially the rugs were mainly used in households and much later became commercial products, following the bloom of the oriental ruging during the 16th and 17th century. They have many applications and can be used on the floor, as toppings or for decorating walls. The name kilim is derived from the Persian word gelim. In Kurdish they are called Berr. The most famous Persian rugs are Sumakh, Senneh, Fars and Qashqai. Many Kilims are also woven at the border between Persia and Afghanistan by the nomads of Balouch with dark earthy indicative colours.