Throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, the intricate and exacting art of weaving rugs has been practiced and revered since ancient times. While beautiful and interesting in themselves, these carpets are also thought to have reflected some very practical concerns of day-to-day life.
Many cultural historians believe that the art of hand-knotting carpets with pile originated among nomadic peoples as a means of imitating the texture and warmth qualities of animal pelts. Yet whatever factors may have contributed to its initial development, the art of rug-making quickly assumed a central role in the aesthetic and historic identity of the entire region.
The earliest surviving example is the Pazryk carpet (Illustration A, right), which was discovered in Siberia and dates back to around 400 B.C. The astonishing age (over 2400 years) of this legendary piece is striking testimony to the durability of the weaver’s art. Nevertheless, in the larger scheme of history, relatively few rugs are known to have survived more than 500 years. Many of the oldest are now displayed in museums throughout the world. Still, it is not uncommon to find rugs over 100 years old that remain in usable condition, and some that even today are being walked upon by great-great-great-grandchildren of the original owners.
Whatever the story or purpose behind the making of these hand-woven treasures—for warmth, recording tales, or enshrining the symbols of an ancient culture, rugs have been highly valued, continuously traded, and eagerly sought after for centuries. It is interesting to note that the techniques and tools of rug weaving have remained remarkably constant over time, so even recently woven handmade rugs can vividly evoke the character and romance of fabled historic pieces.