Rug History: From Nomadic Tribes to Modern Homes
Rugs and carpets are considered key decorative and functional accessories for homes and offices. But did you know that they have a unique and rich history? Surprisingly, only a part of the interesting rug history is known.
Let’s learn about the fascinating journey of rugs that spans thousands of years, from ancient nomadic tribes to modern spaces.
The Origin of Rugs
The ancient rug's origin can be dated back to 000 BC. The earliest known civilizations, including Egyptians and Mesopotamians, used organic materials like animal skins, grass, and reeds to weave rugs, which were primarily used to keep the cold ground warm.
Nomadic Tribes and Rugs
The rug-making tradition continued as nomadic tribes used them as portable wall and floor coverings. It is recorded that the nomads often used rugs as saddle blankets, which helped them stay warm during the cold weather.
Nomadic rugs were made using organic materials like wool, camel, and goat hair. Since these rugs were made using organic materials which would decompose over time, there are few surviving old rugs. However, the oldest known rug is the Pazyryk carpet, which dates back to 500 BC.
Oriental and Persian Rugs
As civilizations continued to grow, the carpet weaving traditions improved, which led to the creation of fancier rugs. Persians perfected the art of rug weaving through their high-quality craftsmanship and integrated precious metals with organic materials to create intricate designs in vibrant colours.
The spread of Islam to different parts of the world also influenced rug history greatly, as that's when geometric patterns and calligraphy were blended into rug weaving.
Historical Rugs in Europe
As trade routes were established between Europe and the Middle East, the weaving traditions spread across the regions. Persian hand-woven rugs became more common in European palaces, and soon, the natives mastered the intricate art of weaving rugs.
Modern-Day Rug Production
Following the Industrial Revolution, mechanised rug production became more common, resulting in the manufacturing of more affordable rugs. Hence, rugs became more accessible to the masses.
While hand-woven rugs are still available and hold great artistic value, most rugs used today in homes and offices are mechanically manufactured.
Modern rugs and carpets are available in a wide range of materials, colours, designs, and styles and can elevate the décor and functionality of any indoor or outdoor space.
The Evolution of Rugs – From Nomadic Floors to Modern Spaces
Everything on this planet has evolved, and rugs and carpets aren't an exception. Centuries ago, rugs were hand-woven using organic material and were primarily used as ground coverings. However, today, rugs serve both functional and decorative purposes at home and in offices.
Rugs provide warmth and add depth, texture, and decorative appeal to your interior. Moreover, they can also be used to separate and define different areas of your space, adding to the overall functionality of your home or office interior.
Whether you’re looking for rugs to improve the aesthetic appeal of your space or want carpets to upgrade their functionality, visit The Rugs today. Choose from our exquisite and enduring rugs that you can also get at significant discounts.
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