Gashgai Carpets

Gashgai Carpets

Gashgai nomadic tribes are found in Fars province in southwestern Iran and live in Fars, Khuzestan and southern Isfahan provinces. They move twice a year, between winter pasture near the Persian Gulf and summer pasture in the Zagros Mountains where it is much cooler. An important contribution to nomadic life is the making of carpets, as well as kilims, bags, ribbons and other decorations.

Gashghai are known to have interests in festivals and ceremonies. Their special dance is formed in a circle that they all sing and dance together. They wear colorful clothes and combine bold colors together. Gashgai nomadic tribe live off their livestock and agricultural, horticultural and dairy products.

The background color of Gashgai carpets is red-brown. The motif is usually memory-related and often consists of a centrally placed medallion repeated in all four corners. Humans, four-legged animals, birds, trees and flowers are popular elements as well as motifs collected from frescoes and columns at Persepolis.

The loom of Gashgai rugs is horizontal, and the weaver sits on the middle of the rug during the weaving process. These rugs are made from sheep, goat and sometimes horsehair wool. Gashgai carpets are interesting and durable and are considered the history of nomads.