Bakhtiari rugs history

The history of the Bakhtiari handmade rug dates back to the Bakhtiari tribe. The Bakhtiari rug is a type of Iranian carpet produced by the artists of the great Bakhtiari tribe in provinces such as Isfahan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiari, and Lorestan. The Bakhtiari tribe is considered to be one of the original peoples of Iran, many of whom live in Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province. The Bakhtiari handmade rug is not limited to nomads but also includes rural and urban dwellers of this province. This carpet, along with other handicrafts, is one of the important arts of the Bakhtiari tribes.

Bakhtiari woman

The Bakhtiari rug, which has also been registered worldwide, is very famous for its use of original patterns, attractive and luxurious colors, and high durability. This carpet has been exported worldwide since the early 19th century. If you love buying Bakhtiari rugs, it is better to get acquainted with the structure of this original carpet, but first of all, it is better to get to know the Bakhtiari tribe a little and then examine the Bakhtiari rug.

Introduction to the Bakhtiari Tribe

The Bakhtiari tribe is one of the original Iranian tribes that live in the southwestern regions of Iran and around the Zagros Mountains. They are divided into two large groups, “Haftlang” and “Chaharlang“. According to historical sources, the reason for this division of the Bakhtiari tribe was based on the tax collection during the Safavid era. Taxation during the Safavid era was based on the number of people and livestock. Therefore, the group that had more livestock was taxed more and the group that had fewer livestock was taxed less.

Bakhtiari rug

The provinces of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Lorestan, Khuzestan, and Isfahan are among the areas where the Bakhtiari people live. About 87 percent of the population of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is made up of Bakhtiari people, and 20 percent of the population of Isfahan is also Bakhtiari. The Bakhtiari tribe in Khuzestan is also considered one of the two major tribes of Khuzestan, along with the Arabs. The Bakhtiari people speak the Lori Bakhtiari dialect. The reflection of the history, art, and culture of this tribe can be seen in Bakhtiari rugs.

Bakhtiari girl

In the past, the Bakhtiari tribe was independent because they lived as nomads and nomads and provided their necessities. For this reason, simplicity, the use of local, natural raw materials, and the influence of nature can be seen in most Bakhtiari Persian rugs. Other handicrafts of the Bakhtiari tribe include Jajim, Kilim, Siah Chador, Khorjin, Gabbeh, and…

Please look at this article: What Is The Nomad’s Black Tent?

Kheshti design, Antique Bakhtiari rug

Bakhtiari rug identification

Bakhtiari rug design:

One of the most obvious features of Bakhtiari Persian rugs is the “Kheshti” design, which is designed with checkered frames all over the carpet. Inside each of these frames, a pattern is woven that is different from the adjacent frame. Usually, plant and animal motifs are seen inside these frames. Also, the medallion design is mostly seen in Saman Bakhtiari rugs.

Bakhtiari garden kheshti motif rug

Bakhtiari rug color:

Another important characteristic of Bakhtiari rugs is their high color diversity. Bakhtiari handwoven rugs often have a special dark red color that is only seen in this carpet. Also, the green and yellow colors used in Bakhtiari hand-knotted rugs are different from other Iranian handmade rugs. These colors convey a certain feeling of warmth and intimacy to the viewer. In general, reds, greens and yellows, light blue and orange, and brown are the most commonly used colors among Bakhtiari rugs.

Materials:

The naturalness of the Bakhtiari rug materials is one of its characteristics. They provide wool fibers from their sheep and weave them manually or by machine. This rug is often woven from cotton warps and wool wefts, and the naturalness of the fibers of this rug is another important characteristic. The warp and weft of Persian Bakhtiari handmade rugs are based on cotton, and sometimes wool is also used.

Dimensions:

Most Bakhtiari wool rugs are woven in small sizes that are easily portable. Usually, these rugs are woven in sizes up to 1.50 to 5 square meters and have narrow runner rugs.

Bakhtiari wool rug, Kheshti Floral design

Types of Bakhtiari rug designs

The common designs in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province are as follows:

• Kheshti
• Lachak and Toranj(medallion)
• Vase
• Tree of life
• Golfarang

Bakhtiari medallion rug

Bakhtiari rug features

• In the past, the looms were horizontal, but now vertical looms are used.
• Bakhtiari hand-knotted rugs were produced with a density of 17 to 20 knots per 7 cm, but now the density or row is 35 to 40.
• These carpets are mainly woven with Turkish knots and the double-weave technique. In some areas, such as Hinegoon, Persian knots and single-weave technique are also used.
• The pile height of Bakhtiari wool rugs is medium to high.
• The value of old Bakhtiari rugs is usually high and is sold to collectors. These rugs are rare treasures that have great appeal. New Bakhtiari carpets are reasonably priced.
• Bakhtiari rugs are green eco friendly rugs.

You can read this article: Our Earth Needs Green Eco-Friendly Rugs

Eco friendly Bakhtiari rug

Bakhtiari carpet weaving centers

As we said at the beginning of the article, rug weaving has a long history in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces and among the Bakhtiari tribe. Carpet weaving is common in most parts of this province and neighboring areas where the Bakhtiari artisans live. In Chaharmahal province, carpet weaving is divided into two categories: Qashqai rugs and Bakhtiari area rugs.

Qashqai carpets are the result of the art of the Qashqai nomads, and Bakhtiari rugs are woven by the Bakhtiari tribe of this region. The most important areas where Bakhtiari rug weaving is popular include cities such as Borujen, Fereydan, Saman, Boldaji, Faradonbeh, Hinegoon, Chaleshotor, and Hirgan.

Interior design with Bakhtiari rug ,6’5″*9’8″

Bakhtiari rug for sale

The price of a Bakhtiari area rug is determined by its quality, design, color, dimensions, and age. The Kheshti Chaleshotor rug is one of the highest quality Bakhtiari hand-woven rugs among Persian Bakhtiari rugs and is more expensive than other carpets in this region. Old Bakhtiari rugs whose fibers are dyed with vegetable dyes are more expensive.

If you are looking for a carpet with deep artistic and cultural values, Bakhtiari rugs are undoubtedly one of the options on the table. This carpet with a long history has a wide variety of colors and can easily be used in home decoration. The Vernacarpets online collection offers you an exquisite collection of Bakhtiari rugs. If you are interested in Iranian carpets, do not forget the Bakhtiari rug!

Bakhtiari runner rug