Gabbeh Rug 187 x 128 cm

Back in the 1970s, when we were first collecting these unusually crazy rugs, we would ask, “What sort of rug is that?” The reply “een qalin Gabbeh”, “this rug is a woolly rug” seemed hilariously obvious at the time, but it has since become accepted nomenclature. A Gabbeh is simply a woolly rug because it wasn’t made for a wedding or a celebration, nor did it represent a clan or carry a ceremonial design. It was made for the weaver’s own life, woven thick for sleeping, for warmth, for living. Here we have a border of opposing birds suggesting the folklore tale of Adam and Eve. They asked God where or what they are. They were given a bird each to fly in opposite directions to the ends of the earth and beyond. When seeing the birds crossing on their return the couple would then have the secrets of love. Material: Hand-spun sheep wool Dyes: Mix Age: Circa 1970 Condition: Great, thick pile Origin: South West Persia