Lori
The Lorid are one of the most important nomadic tribes of Iran and
inhabit the western and southern parts of the country. In much of their
territory they live in areas adjacent to the Qashquai. The Lori are of
Iranian origin and their language is similar to Persian. Various pressures
in the 20-century have forced many Lorid to abandon the nomadic life and settle
down in villages. The LURI(LORI) people have lived as nomads for over 600 years.
They are located in three different regions:
- LURESTAN (Western IRAN)
- Kermanshah [BAKHTARAN](Western IRAN)
- Kohkiluyeh (Southwestern IRAN)
These regions are all a part of the Zagros Mountains. The BAKHTIARI are a related people.
In the spring, the LURI(LORI) live in black goat-hair tents. During the hot summer, they use leaves and branches for cover because they provide much cooler shelter. In the winter, they move into double ended houses known as zemga. These houses are half buried in the slope of a hill. They are built with boulders and 2/3 of the area is covered by a roof of branches and sod.
LURI(LORI) women, if not covered (veiled), can be seen wearing very significant jewellery
that shows their wealth and status. The men are either shepherds or farmers who migrate according
to the season. The children for the most part do not go to school due to a lack of teachers.
There are two main types of Lori rugs on the market. The first are the nomadic carpets produced
in the south; these are generally called Lori Behbehan. They are similar to Qashquai rugs and made
entirely of wool, but they use a different range of motifs and are fond of bright contrasting colours.
A strong red is particularly prominent. The other type of Lori rug is marketed in the town of Khorramabad.
These are squarer and more restrained in colour; a red- brown is the main colour. Only Dozars are produced.
The designs are varied; all-over patterning predominates. The fringes are often beautifully braided.
