Oriental Rugs Glossary

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Kilim

What is a Kilim? "Kilim" is a generic term for all Oriental rugs which have no pile (also Palas, Sumakh, Sileh, Verneh..) therefore being flat weave. Kilims serve nomads as an isolating and decorative floor covering or blanket in their tents. Many Kilims are as well used as prayer rugs kneeing on them in order to pray towards Mekka 5x a day ("the prayer rug of the modest man"). Due to the technique of their making Kilims almost always have generous geometric designs. In case of a floral design it is mostly strongly stylized. Altogether Kilims are beautiful pile-less rugs with an extra portion of character.