Hand Woven Afshah Persian Rugs

Afshah is the name of a Iranian tribal group or clan.  These days Afshah people are spread over a wide area of Iran but there are two main groups. One in the south and the other in the north. Their language is of Turkic orign with many unique dialects.

 The rugs that they weave are destinctive and relativly easy to identify. They favour brilliant clear reds and blues particulally those rugs woven near Sirjan. The designs are gometric rather than floral. Generally speaking Afshah rugs tend to be square rather than long and narrow and large sizes are quite rare. The rugs are invariably wool pile woven on to a cotton warp and weft.

The kilims they weave are also worth consideration because they represent good value. 

In keeping with their nomadic heritage the Afshari are also renowned for their tribal weavings. Items like saddle bags, tent bands, salt bags  and saddle covers are much sought after by collectors these days.