Arab carpet

An Arab carpet (Arabic: سجاد, Sijjad) is an oriental carpet made in the Arab world using traditional Arab carpet-making techniques.

Egyptian carpet made between 1468-1496 AD.

History

Arabian carpets dating back to the 7th century BC have been excavated in Ma'rib.[1] 'Rihal' is a type of pre-Islamic carpet that was made in al-Hirah, an ancient city that was the capital of the Lakhmids.[2]

Materials

Sheep's wool is the most common material used in the making of traditional Arabian carpets. Other materials, such as cotton, camel hair, goat hair, and flax have been used to make these carpets. In the center of larger carpets silk is likely to be used.

In Arab culture

Aladdin's magic carpet is an Arabian rug that is featured prominently in Arab culture.

Sources

1. Textiles in Pre-Islamic Arabia Muhammad, Reza-ur-Rahim. in: Islamic Studies, Vol 10 Nr. 1, p. 47-64
2. Jawad Ali, Al-Mufassal Fi Tarikh al-Arab Qabl al-Islam, vol.9 chap.50 (p.56 in the electronic version)