Guide to Oriental Rugs: African and Egyptian Rugs

There’s a lot of history surrounding Oriental and Persian Rugs. It’s not only fascinating to learn where they came from but many of these carpets tell stories that go back thousands of years.

Guide to Oriental Rugs: Egyptian Rugs

Egypt’s carpet weaving tradition can be traced back as early as the 15th century during the rule of Mamluks, which took on a different influence after the conquest of Ottomans in the 16th century. At present, they are one of the rarest and the most beautiful rugs ever made. Although they are not as prominent in the industry as the Persian and other oriental rugs, Egyptian rugs are known for their incredible quality.

Regardless of their standing in the rug market, antique rugs from Egypt are considered one of the most intricately designed with great quality rugs. Egyptian area rugs were woven with intricate designs and quality materials such as wool, cotton and silk. Mamluk rugs, used Senneh or Persian knot to create geometric-patterned designs. They are commonly found in pale blue, light green, and bright red colors. While, Ottoman rugs were created with a mixture of Mamluk symmetrical patterns featuring nature-inspired designs such as florals, palmettes, lotuses and leaves. They also feature the Ottoman Empire conquest stories. Rugs made in Cairo during the 16th and 17th century are also one of the most admirable rugs for their delicate design with lively color scheme and antique motifs. The Cairene carpet style was developed by Cairo weavers with designs derived from Turkish, Egyptian and Persian rug-weaving influence. This adored Cairene, or also called Ottoman, carpets were mainly produced for the Ottoman court and for export to countries like Italy.

Eventually, the carpet weaving industry in Egypt slowed down during the 19th century. Although it was revived during the 1950s when they started making reproductions of traditional Persian rugs, which was highly in demand that period. At present, Egypt continuously produces quality oriental rugs to the world market. Even through the challenges, Egyptian weavers still maintained their rugs’ beauty and great quality. They feature beautiful designs that are popular these days and they come in different sizes to fit in any room.

Guide to African Rugs

Not many South African countries are known for rug production. On the contrary, according to historical records, North African countries have been using carpet weaving to communicate various stories and diverse symbolic images. This has been practiced in Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. It has been a significant tradition of these African civilizations for years. Moreover, these handmade African rugs are one of the most beautifully designed carpets that were created by both men and women in the historical African societies. Throughout the years, African rugs have been known and adored in the carpet industry, especially in the design world. Moreover, in the more recent years rugs from South Africa have emerged in the market. Several South African entrepreneurs have started producing African area rugs due to their demand.

The most popular antique African rugs are the Moroccan Berber rugs from North Africa. These antique African rugs were woven by nomadic Berber tribes in the Paleolithic era initially for personal use – to warm them up while they travel. The Berber tribes, since they move around a lot, created various types of rugs. Some of them are woven with very thick and heavy piles, perfect for the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and some are flat woven and light that suits the humid deserts. They mainly feature sceneries found in the African daily life. They can also be found in bold geometric patterns. At present, African rugs are still woven with these traditional African designs.

In the modern setting, African rug design is a home decor must-have for design enthusiasts.
African rugs often vary from vibrant or neutral colors woven into either geometric patterns or abstract design that would definitely fit whatever vibe you are aiming for your home. Their endless variety and elegant designs, and their dynamic and bold features make them desirable to contemporary designers and homeowners aiming for a traditional theme for their home.