Persian rugs are among some of the most popular area rugs. However, did you know that there are multiple kinds of Persian rugs? One of the most prominent is the “Gabbeh” rug. Originally manufactured by the Persian people as a shaggy rug intended for sleeping, these rugs are traditionally easy to weave, making them a popular style among Native Persian weavers to produce while providing a reasonable living for their families.
The Makings of a Gabbeh Rug
The base of Gabbeh rugs is primarily wool, which has been dyed using natural pigments. While men of the Gabbeh manufacturing villages typically manage the herd and shear the sheep, either men or women can take on the roll of spinning yarn for rug weaving.
Today, most villages have reverted to utilizing natural dyes to infuse color in their wool yarn, taking advantage of the pigment given off from fruits, like pomegranates. In the late 19th and early 20th century, however, there was an onslaught of use of chemical dyes which resulted in a reduced quality of weaving materials and poisoning the groundwater of native villages taking part in Gabbeh weaving.
The Look of Gabbehs
Gabbeh rugs are long, coarser pile rugs that lent comfort for sleeping; and now use in the home. While most exhibit vibrant colors, some less common styles use undyed wool for natural, more subdued tones of tan and brown.
Designs range from intricate geometric shapes, to simple shapes throughout the rug.
With professional cleaning, Gabbeh wool rugs can outlast synthetic fiber rugs, making them well woth the investment. Select Floor Care boasts Nevada County’s only certified rug cleaning technician and utilizes the industry-standard wet wash process in our full service rug cleaning facility located on Loma Rica Drive in Grass Valley.
Do you have a Gabbeh? Think you might? Give us a call today and we can help you learn more about the origin of your Persian rug.
