Persian Gabbeh Rugs

The Gabeh rugs are woven by the Qashquai (kashkai) tribe in Southern Persia. They are the Turkic Tribe and the most important, most advanced and the most prosperous of the tribes of FARS. They are also the best weavers. They are almost completely nomadic, and during eight months of the year they inhabit, in their black goat's hair tents, a high belt of country which extends for about 150 miles northwards. In the autumn they move from highlands to the warmer coastal country which lies west, southwest and south of Shiraz. In the olden days the Gabeh rugs were only produced for their own domestic use. During the 1980's the western dealers discovered these simple rugs, with their abstract designs, which were very good for accompanying the new and modern furnishing and decor. During the last part of the 20th century, these rugs were the best sellers, worldwide. Although Gabeh have been in production for centuries, they were almost unknown to the outside world. They have a thick pile, with very simple designs. These types of rugs are a perfect companion with modern furnishing, and one can put them almost anywhere in the home, from a child's room to a sitting room.