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It is as yet
difficult to point out where and when did the first
carpet and the art of carpet making originated, the
general areas demarcated where the carpets may have been
first produced are the Persia (Iran), Turkmenistan,
central Asia Mongolia and China referred as "Carpet
belt".
The origin can be traced back to the Neolithic age (7000
B.C.). Certain products of the era consisting of warp
and weft were textile resembling flat weave kilims have
been found. After that, the rugs were created by forming
knots to make a pile. It is anticipated by the
researchers that they may have originated in the dry
steppe regions inhabited by the nomads.
The nomadic tribes of the region did carpet weaving.
They instead of slaughtering their animals wove their
wool into carpets. The carpets were spread on their tent
floors or hung from the walls to provide protection
against the creeping insects and dirt etc and insulated
the tent to an extent against the cold. They were even
used as seat covers or saddlebags or to sleep or to pray
on. The rugs and carpets were woven with the patterns
depicting flowers, animals and trees, their culture,
tradition and religious beliefs.
One of the earliest carpets till date has been found in
the tomb of a Scythian Prince in southern Siberia and it
dates back to 5th century BC. This region is inhabited
by the followers of Islam and so the carpets play an
important role in Islamic culture as well as religion.
From the thing of utility as floor, bed or coverings at
the time of origin they have become a thing of exotic
decoration and class.
Chinese and Tibetan rugs were of entirely different
style and design. They featured the symbols of Buddhist
and Taoist religions. In India the art of woolen carpets
was there as early as 5th century BC but the more famous
Persian carpet art cam with the Mogul Emperor Akbar.
This art of carpet weaving was obtained from the Persian
artists and modified to Indian Royal tastes.
The carpets were at one point so highly regarded and
valued that they were considered better than money.
According to a legend, The great Egyptian Queen
Cleopatra actually presented herself to Caesar - rolled
up inside a carpet. Marco Polo discovered some of the
earliest fine Orientals in the 13th century whilst
traveling in Persia. He can be given the credit of
introducing the craft outside the carpet belt. |
