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Kilims are
flat woven tapestries woven with the
warp and weft together on a loom. They
belong to their origination reasonably
centuries ago. Woven by the nomadic
tribes of Middle Eastern regions,
initially kilims were seen as
non-decorative, non-symbolic, purely
utilitarian practices. They served the
purpose of daily usage articles like
floor coverings, blankets, prayer rugs,
saddle pads, wall hangings, etc.
The word "kilim"
has its etymological root in the Turkish
language since the 13th century. The
word is not known exactly to be a
meaningful one. However, excellent
patterns of it have been found as
antique, which have been able to survive
still. The evidences left, state that
earlier, this unique art form was seen
as simple representations of decorations
on animal skins. They were probably
decorated later with beads or dyes. This
stair in the evolution of the kilims
paved the way for the similar kinds of
colors and dyes to be used in the woven
sorts. Along with the prominent ones,
probable developments in other styles of
kilim like slit-weave tapestry also
flourished.
Kilims as
flat woven rugs neither have knots nor
pile. It is like any other form of pile
less textile tightly woven with
stretched fibers. Yarn types usually see
wool, cotton, linen and silk. Fancier
ones include gold and animal hair as per
requirement. Very similar to Western
tapestries, the several warp strands
thread the weft strands and then loop
back. The threads woven are held so taut
that no voids or traces of plain warp
threads can be seen. That’s how the
surface is flatly woven.
Traditional
kilims are seen with distinct features
like brightly colored yarn with lovely
floral themes and geometrical patterns.
The specimens obtained from the nomadic
tribes are an emblem of their rich
cultural and traditional beliefs.
Decorative motifs reflect the symbol of
each tribe. These lifestyle products
beautifully enhance the comfort level of
the dwellings with vivifying splashes of
color. Till today these create the same
luxurious effect like they do in Bedouin
tent homes.
The major areas where the eccentric
forms of artistic strands wove its
popularity are Turkey, Central Anatolia,
Southeastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia,
Southeastern Anatolia, Mediterranean
Region and Turkish Thrace. The kilim
rugs of repute are woven with the help
of many substitutes. The earliest forms
of looms were of two types. The sitting
villagers used a vertical loom that is
fixed at a place. However, the nomads
made it on a portable horizontal ground
loom. It has a fixed width.
Nevertheless, generally, a loom, a
beating comb, a shuttle, a knife or a
pair of scissors are required in making
kilims.
With an
ethnic appeal, kilims are objects that
are taken in good faith and which,
boosts spirits. However, these
intricately woven marvels are worthy of
your attention. Such organic kilims last
long and with proper maintenance appear
as sturdy as defying age. Regular
vacuuming and once-in-a-while wash with
cold water and dissolved soap actually
helps in preserving the durability and
the splendor of your kilims.
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