Gabbeh (pronounced gab-ay) rugs have for centuries been woven in the south by Qashq'ai (pronounced kash-keye) and Lori tribes people for their own use.  Traditional gabbeh are made of a thick, heavy wool on a wool pile with natural or naturally dyed colors.  The designs are simple, often abstract and many of them are also found as patterns on the ancient pottery from Luristan in Iran. 

New gabbeh are woven in southern Iran by the descendents of the great weavers of old.  The new weavers use the same simple designs and color schemes of their predecessors.  Tribal weavers are allowed to put in their own design elements and to interpret them in their own ways. 

These rugs are not finely woven, but they are thick, cushy and durable.  The designs are whimsical and endearing.  When you sit on one of these, sipping tea, you get the feeling that the weaver wove some of her own dreams and hopes into the fabric.

Another point to mention regarding gabbeh rugs- a movie was produced in 1997 by an Iranian director called "Gabbeh".  In this marvelous movie, the main character, a woman, weaves her life story into a nice, thick gabbeh.  As she weaves it, we see her life unfold and what each design element represent in her life's history.  It's well worth watching, especially if you fancy these rugs.

Gabbeh rugs look great in a rugged environment- summer cabin, winter ski chalet.  But they also add richness and warmth to a more modern decor.  Many of them, because of the small animals and pictures in them, would look great in a child's room.  However you decide to display them, they add a certain primal beauty to any living space!

More selection will be added to this section soon!

Rug # Picture Size, Colors and Design, Price   New Gabbeh # 291 Size: 3 x 4'8  (.89m x 1.45m) Colors: Red, blue, golden yellow and cream Design:  All over squares, like a checkerboard Afarstar Price: $350 For more pictures, click here:  New Gabbeh # 291     New Gabbeh # 336 Size: 3'3 x 6'6  (1m x 2m) Colors: Black, blue, cream with red accents Design:  Abstract mountains or desert with little red goats Afarstar Price: $650 For more pictures, click here:  New Gabbeh # 336