Qashqa'i and Khamseh Tribes Style
Qashqa'i and Khamseh Tribes
Like the Afshari, the Qashqa'i, a nomadic tribe living in the Fars area,
have a Turkic ancestry. They are thought to have migrated into the area
in the 16th century from Azerbaijan, and their Turkish dialect is most
strongly related to that of the tribes inhabiting that region. Adjacent
to the Qashqa'i, in the easter Fars area, are the tribes of the Khamseh
federation, who are believed to have entered the area from the 13th century
onward. The carpets of the Qashqa'i are the best known and, in general,
the most beautiful of the area and history of the tribes is reflected in the
resemblance of the carpet patterns to those of north-west Persia and the
south-east Caucasus.
Sizes
Most of the rugs made by the nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes are small, e.g.
1.50x2.20m, although carpets of larger size in length are also known and
some are of outstanding quality. The production also includes many different
sizes of bags, the best known of which are the double saddle-bags.
Color
As a general rule, Qashqa'i carpets posses clear and vibrant colors, which
until the 1940s, were produced predominatly with natural dyes. Synthetic
dyes, often of inferior quality, have been widely adopted since the Second
World War. In general, carpets of the Khamseh tribes are woven in more
subdued colors.
Patterns
Fars area carpets have a large design repertorie which includes a variety
of floral repeat patterns as well as medallion compositions. Geometricised
animal and bird drawings are also a common feature and are used both as part
of the repeat patterns or as filler ornaments. Borders, particularly of Qashqa'i
rugs, include many highly developed floral designs. As in many other nomad rugs,
multiple borders are a sign of later weavings.
Foundation
Warps of Fars area rugs are of wool in natural ivory and brown shades. The majority
of rugs are wool wefted, although a minority of fine Qashqa'i rugs have silk or mixed
silk and wool wefts and a few are known with camel hair wefts.
Knots
The great majority of Qashqa'i pieces are knotted with a Persian knot, open to the left.
Weavers of the Khamseh tribes appear to have favoured the Turkish knot. Knot counts of
Fars area rugs generally vary between 1,000-3,000 knots per sq. dm, with Qashqa'i rugs
generally at the higher end of this range. Some very fine Qashqa'i pieces have up to
5,000 knots per sq. dm. or more.
Pile
The pile of almost all Fars area rugs is of wool, the highest quality usually being found
in Qashqa'i examples. A few camel hair rugs are known.
Quality
These nomad carpets are among the best that come onto the market; honestly made, well drawn
and woven in joyous colors without appearing brash. Old and antique Qashqa'i rugs are sought
after as collectors pieces.
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