c1940s ANTIQUE GEOMETRIC HERIZ GOROVAN RUG 10.0x13.5
Goravan is a small village in north-western Iran, north of Heriz and east of Tabriz. Goravan rugs are often mistaken for the rugs of Heriz. They are almost identical in design, color and quality of materials used. Often, even an expert cannot tell the difference. Like Heriz, Goravans use earth tones to produce a very geometric tribal carpet. This historic region of Iran, as well as Turkey and Uzbekistan, have had the most significant influence on the development of the present-day carpet industry. Their bold style of weaving originates partly from Mongols who invaded Iran in the 13th century, settling there in the north-west. In these rugged mountains these tough nomads of both sexes have the talent and skill to weave dramatic, high-quality carpets by hand, with no use of modern technology whatever. In many cases, rug weaving is the family?s main source of income. They trade their produce with local merchants in nearby cities for the staples and necessities of life. A few of the regions and towns included in this region are Ardabil, Bakhshaish, Gharadjeh (Gharabagh), Goravan, Heriz, Mehriban, Sarab, and Shahsavan. Weavers of these regions usually use their own symmetrical Turkish double-knotting style, which tends to be dense and tightly packed. The asymmetrical Persian knot can also be seen in cities such as Ardabil. The pile of these rugs is thick, lustrous wool, handspun from local sheep, with strong cotton as the material of choice for the foundation. However, wool and goat hair can also be seen as the base of some Turkish tribal rugs. In a few regions such as Ardabil, silk is blended in with the wool pile to produce a splendid carpet. Natural vegetable and root dyes are mainly used for the coloring. These rugs are among the most sturdy and hardwearing, still using the weaving techniques employed thousands of years ago.
