TIBETAN RUGS

As the traditional Oriental rug market is suffering, Tibetan rugs are still popular and they are mostly made in Tibet and India. Tibetan rug is an ancient, traditional craft which is thousands of years old. In their nomadic tradition these rugs mainly served practical purposes such as horse saddles, seating carpets, wall hangings to keep out the cruel Tibetan winters. Therefore it is required they are made extremely durable and warm.

Tibetan rugs are exceptional in two ways. First, the traditional weaving material- wool from Tibetan highland sheep- is the best wool in the world. The Tibetan highland sheep live at high altitudes and develop wool which is elastic and strong, it produces a soft hand. Second, Tibetan rugs are made with the unique Tibetan Knot which increases the density per knot over the traditional knot used in all other countries. The combination of these two factors results in durable rugs.

Tibetan culture developed under a number of factors, including its remoteness and the strong Buddhist influence that pervades every aspect of life. Tibetan rugs made in traditional designs are mostly made in abstract form incorporating Buddhist symbols such as the lotus flower and crane. Traditional colors are derived from vegetation, so are often softer.

Tibet has a long history as a supreme ruler and was a fully independent state till the Chinese invaded in 1949. Since that time, there has been much debate about the political and social issues surrounding this occupation, In the year 1959 The Dalai Lama fled from Tibet and was granted asylum in India, and was joined by over 80,000 Tibetan refugees. Today about 130,000 Tibetan refugees are all over the world, but the majority of them live in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Most of the people fled with clothes on their back, for the last 50 years Tibetan refugees have managed to preserve their culture and identity. When the refugees left Tibet they brought with them the knowledge of rug making and finally opened weaving centers to both keep their heritage alive, and manufactured products that would help them to be self sufficient and not to rely on the host countries. Today these centers have opened their medical hospitals where treatment is available, schools have been set up, and many made-to-order Tibetan rugs are made and are exported world wide.

Many of the Tibetan weaving centers in Nepal and India which manufacture Tibetan rugs for export now focus on modern styles which are popular in the west. These rugs are unique and are hand made which last for generations. These rugs appeal to people who like quality goods.

You may find Tibetan rugs which are actually made in Tibet and few of traditional rug manufacturers still left in Tibet, The rugs made in Tibet are created with imported (cheap quality) wool, cheap dyes and often made by machines.