Afshar Rugs

Afshar weavers are renowned for their great weaving skills in Persia. Produced by nomads and villagers in southeastern Iran in the cities of Shiraz, Kerman and Yazd, these Persian rugs are some of the few that merge nomadic and village techniques.

The name Afshar derives from the tribe who designs and creates these rugs (also known as the Avsar). They came to Persia and Turkey by way of Iran as part of the Ohguz Turkmen Confederation, which includes 24 other tribes. In the 16th century, Ohguz was more of a principality, rather than a kingdom. The language is still well-preserved and spoken today by people whose ancestors originated from this tribe. Weaving has always been a major part of the artistic creativity of this tribe, and it is not likely to diminish at any time as it is traditionally taught from one generation to the next.

Afshar rugs are similar to Caucasian rugs in color and style. Using geometric patterns, medallions with diamond patterns and pomegranate vases. Common colors include crimson, saffron gold, ivory, burnt orange and sienna. The design and colors used in Afshar rugs are reflective of the influences from outside regions making these highly stylized and unique rugs.

Afshar rugs are quite distinguishable. Classic features of these antique rugs can include three pendants at either of the two ends (mostly in Sirjan designs), multiple diamond patterns (the number of diamonds can vary within a motif) and the tribal border, which is typical of all rugs made by this tribe. Another very noticeable feature is the medium ribbed back, which is a classic trait. Many antique rugs by this tribe can be found in homes worldwide, today. Some of them are well-preserved and retain their colors quite nicely.