Koliai rugs, hailing from the Kermanshah Province in western Iran, represent a stunning blend of Kurdish tradition, natural inspiration, and artisanal skill. These rugs are named after the Koliai district, encompassing the town of Sonqor and its surrounding villages, located at the center of a geographical triangle formed by Hamedan, Kermanshah, and Sanandaj. The region has a long-standing history of rug weaving, deeply rooted in its Kurdish cultural heritage. This article delves into the history, craftsmanship, and unique designs that make Koliai rugs exceptional.

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History and Origin of Koliai Rugs

The Koliai rug weaving tradition dates back at least a decade ago, with its roots in the nomadic and semi-nomadic Kurdish lifestyle. Cecil Edwards, in his iconic work The Persian Carpet, praised the high-quality wool sourced from Kurdish flocks in Kermanshah. The durable and lustrous wool, comparable to Anatolian wool, reflects the rugged mountain environment where these sheep graze. Historically, the Koliai area was a hub for Kurdish tribal carpets, with Sonqor as its market center.

However, socio-economic changes, including the settlement of nomads and the rising price of wool, have significantly impacted rug production. While earlier Koliai rugs were primarily crafted for personal use, urbanization has shifted the focus toward more commercial production.

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Craftsmanship of Koliai Rugs

Koliai rugs are divided into two categories: village rugs and urban rugs, each showcasing unique characteristics.

Village Rugs

  • Materials: Entirely made from wool, including warp and weft, often using naturally colored wool.
  • Knot Type: Turkish (symmetrical) knot.
  • Weave Structure: Typically single-wefted with flat weaves, though some are double-wefted.
  • Sizes: Common dimensions include small formats like runners, poshti (small mats), and qalichehs (area rugs), as well as larger sizes up to 12 square meters.
  • Knot Density: 15-40 knots per inch.

Urban Rugs

  • Materials: Cotton warp and wool pile, often dyed with a mix of natural and synthetic dyes.
  • Knot Type: Turkish (symmetrical) knot.
  • Weave Structure: Double-wefted with a lool baft (asymmetric weave).
  • Sizes: Similar to village rugs but with finer details and more formal sizes.
  • Colors: Rich and diverse, featuring shades like camel, crimson, navy, green, yellow, and cream.
  • Designs: Urban Koliai rugs incorporate floral and curvilinear motifs, often influenced by patterns from Bijar, Sarouk, and Malayer.

The superior quality of Koliai rugs is owed to the exceptional wool of Sanjabi sheep, known for its thick, long fibers (up to 380 mm) and durability. The use of natural dyes, derived from walnut, madder, and other plants, creates vivid yet harmonious colors that enhance the rugs’ appeal. Urban rugs may also incorporate chemical dyes for a broader palette.

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Design and Patterns

Koliai rugs are renowned for their wide-ranging designs, reflecting both local traditions and external influences.

Traditional Village Designs

Koliai village rugs showcase instinctive, spontaneous patterns inspired by everyday life and nature. These include geometric and abstract motifs such as:

  • Fan-shaped patterns
  • Cow’s hoof (Sam Gavhi)
  • Ship (Kheshti Do Gol)
  • Seven-shot designs (Haft Tiri)

These designs are often a product of the weaver’s creativity rather than a structured plan, making each rug a unique piece of art.

Urban and Classic Designs

Urban Koliai rugs feature more structured and intricate patterns, often incorporating:

  • Medallion and corner (Lachak-Toranj)
  • Tree of life
  • Hunting scenes
  • Floral motifs like rose bouquets and vines

The famous "Persepolis" design, inspired by the region’s ancient heritage, remains a standout motif, linking the artistry of Koliai rugs to Iran's illustrious history.

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