The exact origins of knotted pile carpets remain uncertain, but they are thought to have first emerged around the Caspian Sea or in the plains of Central Asia several thousand years ago. These carpets were born out of necessity, providing protection from freezing winters and offering a portable solution for nomadic tribes.
While evidence shows that goat and sheep wool was spun and woven as early as the 7th millennium, the oldest known surviving pile carpet is the Pazyryk. Dating back to the 5th or 4th century BC, it was discovered in 1949 in a burial mound in Siberia’s Altai Mountains' Pazyryk Valley. Encased in ice, the carpet was beautifully preserved and is now housed in the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
Though several cultures have laid claim to the Pazyryk, experts believe it likely originated in Armenia. This theory is supported by the writings of Herodotus, who noted that the inhabitants of the Caucasus were renowned for their vibrantly colored, expertly woven rugs. The Pazyryk carpet, measuring 183 x 200 cm, features a ribbon motif, with depictions of deer and horse-mounted warriors along its border.
From Tribal Necessity to Status Symbols
Originally, carpets and rugs served practical purposes, insulating the floors of both temporary and permanent dwellings. Over time, they became more decorative, incorporating tribal designs passed down through generations. The dyes, made from natural materials like indigo and pomegranate rind, created slight variations in shades, leading many early carpets to display subtle gradations in color where new batches of wool were used.
Tribal designs were marked by bold colors, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs, with a raw aesthetic owing to the use of portable looms. In their simplest form, looms consisted of two wooden ribs fixed to the ground, making them easy to transport between camps. This tribal aesthetic is still seen in the rugs woven by Morocco’s Amazigh people and the Kazaks of Central Asia, who continue the craft today.
While Persian carpets were initially created by nomadic groups or in small villages, they eventually attracted the interest of wealthier urban residents. In response, workshops sprang up in towns and cities, with designs tailored to affluent buyers’ tastes. As rugs became symbols of status, their purchase reflected the social standing of their owners.
Although many village weavers continued to incorporate cultural and folk art traditions into their work, others began organizing into workshops, catering to commercial demand. Tribal designs evolved to appeal to wealthier buyers, with bolder, more rectilinear motifs, and rug sizes increased to suit larger spaces.
From Persia to Sweden
The oldest known carpet with an accurate date comes from the town of Ardabil in modern-day Iran and is displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Inscribed with the year 946 in the Muslim calendar (around 1539 AD), it also bears the name of Maqsud Kashani, a court official responsible for its creation. Believed to have been commissioned for the shrine of Shaykh Safi al-Din Ardabili, this carpet features a large yellow medallion surrounded by floral motifs, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of early Safavid design.
Even earlier is the Marby rug, radiocarbon dated to the 14th century, named after the Swedish village where it was found. With its animal-inspired motifs typical of early Ottoman Anatolian carpets, its discovery suggested that Central Asian rugs were exported not only to France, as previously thought, but also to the Baltic region.
By the 16th century, France had become so reliant on imported rugs that Henry IV established a carpet factory within his palace to serve the French market. However, many of these rugs were reserved for royal use. His successor, Louis XIII, later funded an external workshop to create what became known as "French Orientals," marking a pivotal moment in the industry. Though European-made carpets gained popularity, many buyers continued to favor the authenticity and exotic allure of Middle Eastern and Central Asian creations.
A Manufacturing Shift on the Horizon
The carpet-making industry underwent a significant transformation with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Mechanical innovations and powered looms lessened the need for intensive manual labor, making rugs more affordable and accessible to the growing middle class.