Iraqi Carpet

Iraqi Carpet
General information
Name	Iraqi Carpet
Original name	فرش عراق، قالی عراق
Alternative name(s)	Iraqi Rug
Origin	Iraq
Technical information
Common designs	Geometric
Foundation material	Wool
Knot type	Asymmetrical (Persian), Symmetrical (Turkish)

Iraqi Carpet or Iraqi Rug is one of the eastern rugs that woven in Iraq.
Rugs are woven in Kurdish communities of northern Iraq. Kilims are woven in the town of Hai in southern Iraq and these are termed “Hai.” These are tapestry-woven in two vertical pieces and joined in the center. They have geometric designs. “Samawas” are embroidered blankets and rugs on a wool foundation. These are woven in villages of southern Iraq. Colors are bright and designs consist of densely-arranged geometric, floral, and animal motifs and images. Human figures are also shown. Since the 1930s, some pile rugs have been woven in Baghdad prisons. Designs have included maps of Iraq, the royal coat of arms, and ancient buildings. The quality of these rugs has declined in current production.
Ancient pile carpet fragments have been unearthed at the At-Tar Caves in Iraq. These fragments have been dated from the third century b.c.e. to the third century c.e. Different fragments were woven with the asymmetric knot, the symmetric knot, the Coptic knot, or the Senneh loop knot (an unusual knot producing pile on both sides of the fabric) and an unknotted cut loop.

Bibliography

• Peter F. Stone. 2013. Oriental Rugs: An Illustrated Lexicon of Motifs, Materials, and Origins. North Clarendon: Tuttle.