Hand Knotted Rugs

The art of weaving developed in this region a long time ago. Excavations in

Mohenjo Daro and Harappa have revealed that the inhabitants used spindles.

These civilizations first developed the use of woven textiles. Carpet weaving is

thought to be introduced by the Muslim conquerors, the Afghan Ghaznavids and

Ghaurids. During the Mughal era, royal craftsmen adopted Persian techniques

and designs for carpet weaving. It is during this time that hand knotted carpets

became renowned worldwide and began to be exported abroad. These carpets

were in high demand due to their distinctive designs and high knot densities. The

carpets woven in Lahore were valued by Europeans as far back as the

seventeenth century. Today, Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan produce a large

portion of the hand knotted rugs of this area, and they constitute the second

largest cottage and small scale industry of Pakistan.

The weaving process is quite complicated and tedious. Looms of wood or iron are

commonly used. The loom is constituted of two vertical poles with two horizontal

bars across. Threads of cotton or wool are stretched across the loom vertically.

Weavers tie colored yarn to the warp and then cut it with a knife. This tying and

cutting goes on and on continuously in rows until the final pattern emerges. After

the weaving of each row of knots, the row is beaten down with a comb to impart

solidity and thickness to the pile.

Many different kinds of hand knotted carpets are produced across Pakistan. The

Pak Persian variety is inspired from Persian designs and is woven using the

Senneh knot. The Bokhara carpets utilize the Ghiordes knot and are available in

multiple shades, ranging from the lightest pink, to a deep vermilion. The Jaldar

type also uses the Ghiordes knot, but the designs are inspired from Sarouk and

Yamud patterns. The Pak Gebbeh carpets are unique because they sport

contemporary designs and are constructed from a mixture of Ghiordes and

Senneh knots. Other kinds include the Chobi, Caucasian, Lahore and Shal, each

with their distinctive patterns and ways of making. These carpets are produced all

over Pakistan, with the major cities being the major centers.