Oriental Rugs Glossary

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Nomadic Rugs

The word "nomad" comes from the Greek word "nemein". Nomads are wandering tribes, shepherds, stockbreeders, or hunters. In the minorly populated areas of Asia and North Africa they move with their herds, all their belongings and their tents to new places constantly. Many states already tried to make them settle down with various success. Mostly it is the women of the tribes which contribute to the family's income with their carpet knotting and weaving while the men breed stock or go hunting. But due to the circumstances of nomadic life the carpet production often lacks regularity and precision in form and design, which actually adds to their originality and makes them even more popular. The wool is mostly dyed with vegetable dyes.