Qashquai
The Qashquai are the largest and best known of Iran's nomadic tribes. Though not
really a tribe indefinite they are rather a tribal confederation of people sharing
closely related dialects and ethnic identity. The Qashqai are primarily descended from
Turkoman or Azeri/Ersari tribes. They speak a language that is in the Southern Azeri/Ersari
language family.
They are thought to have migrated from the Caucasus in the eighteenth century to their present
territories around Shiraz in the Fars province, Southern Iran. They speak a dialect of Turkish.
Their warlike character has led them into conflict with successive governments as well as with the
other tribes of the area. Their skill in craftsmanship and love of colour are evidenced both in their
rugs and the clothing of the women. There are many sub-tribes, including the Bilverdi, the Shishboluki,
the Darashuri and the Kashkuli.
The Qashquai weave several types of rugs. A characteristic product can be recognized by its
all-wool construction, heavy ribbing on the reverse, strong deep colours (particularly the red),
and the use of traditional motifs such as the 'Hashing' or crab. Typically, the designs are geometrical
with a row of three of five medallions down the middle of the rug, or in the centre and corners. The whole field
is generally covered with small geometric motifs. Qashqai rugs average 70 to 170 knots per square inch.
Though all traditional examples of Qashqai rugs have all wool construction including wool wefts and warps,
newer village pieces may have cotton wefts and are generally more coarsely woven. The Qashquai are famous also
for their artefacts: horse blankets, saddlebags, ropes, etc. The products of other tribes, such as the Khamseh
and Lori, are often confused with those of the Qashquai.
Qum
Qum is situated south of Tehran, on the road to Isfahan, in the Markazi or Central Province.
It has a population of half a million; its proximity to Tehran has tended to curtail its development.
As a centre of pilgrimage it is second only to Hashed; it contains the tomb of Fatima, sister of the Imam
Ali Reza, (who is buried in Mashad) plus the tombs of several other Shahs.
Qum is a fairly recent weaving center. Major production of rugs only started up in the early 20th century, roughly beginning in the 1930’s. Since then however it has developed a good reputation. Since there is no tradition or precedent to draw on, the weavers take motifs from various sources, and juxtapose and combine them. Some designs they copy outright: it is not unusual to see copies made in Qum of Joshqan or Sirjan rugs, much finer than the originals and with a silk pile. Otherwise, a wide variety of medallion and all-over designs are made. The Zil-i-Sultani pattern is very common as are designs derivative of Bahktiarri garden carpets and Isfahan carpets. The pile is either of silk (with warps and wefts of silk) or of wool or mixed wool and silk, with a cotton foundation. Knotting is generally fine. A wide range of colours is used, sometimes in combinations, which seems strange to westerners. A strong pink and green are particularly characteristic of the silk rugs. Qum rugs are made in all sizes. Other weaving centres which come within the general category of Qum are Shahreza.
Important designers of note worth include Rashtehzadeh, Arsalani, and Ahmad Archang.
