Turkmen / Turkaman Rug

Turkmen rugs were made by nomads called the Turkmen. The nomads are spread over a vast region in North East Iran, Afghanistan and today’s Turkmenistan. The most well-known tribes are Salor, Takke, Yumut, Ersari etc. The majority of them have now settled in the above region and do not follow the nomadic style of living.

The most famous design is called Philpa Pa (elephant foot), mainly in deep red colours. Each tribe has its distinguished design and elements that they use in the rugs. The designs are passed from mother to daughter. The rug which they made becomes part of their dowry. Turkmen are generally in small sizes, and the older generation of rugs was made on horizontal looms and in vegetable dyes.