How Were Ancient Rugs Made?

Ancient rugs, particularly antique Oriental rugs, were often crafted using a manual process on a wooden loom. This involved stretching vertical strands called the "warp" between two horizontal wooden beams.

The Ancient Rug Weaving Process

The creation of ancient rugs on a loom was a meticulous process built upon a foundational structure.

• The Loom: The base was typically a conventional wooden loom. This frame held the tension needed for weaving.
• The Warp: Vertical strands, known as the warp, were attached to the upper and lower horizontal beams of the loom. These strands formed the foundational framework upon which the rug was built.
• Materials: The warp strands were commonly made from durable materials like silk, cotton, or wool. These materials were chosen for their strength and availability in ancient times.
• The Weft: Horizontal strands, called wefts, were then woven through the warp. This involved passing the weft threads alternately over and under the warp strands. This fundamental weaving technique creates the fabric of the rug's foundation (and the entire structure in the case of flatweave rugs).

The reference specifically notes this method for antique Oriental rugs, highlighting the use of the conventional wooden loom, warp, and weft constructed from silk, cotton, or wool. While this describes the foundation of many ancient rugs, other techniques, such as knotting for pile rugs, were also crucial aspects of how these beautiful textiles were completed.

This foundational weaving process, utilizing warp and weft on a loom, was a core method in the creation of many ancient textiles, including durable and intricate rugs that have survived through the ages.