Tribal Rugs

Dedicated to one of the most ancient crafts of the world, this book leads its reader through the history of the tribal rug. Featured content ranges from the oldest complete rug in the world (dated to the fifth century BC) to the weavings of the nomadic peoples of Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia, compiled from the 19th Century up to the present day. Each chapter introduces a different group of tribes, illustrating the rugs, carpets, kilims and utilitarian bags attributed to their weavers.

This book is both a celebration of the woven legacy left by the tribes and a tribute to the skill and artistry of the women who created these magnificent artworks. It aims to provide an introduction for the novice, and entice the more knowledgeable to further study. This new 2017 edition features a marvellous array of new photography showcasing the finest work of each tribe, which will excite anyone with an eye for the tribal aesthetic.

Book Features:

• The seminal work on this subject contains new high quality photographs
• Written by a renowned expert who boasts unparalleled insight into the weaving process and the meanings behind the rugs' complex motifs
• Tribal Rugs: Treasures of the Black Tent is the definitive work on this subject.

500 colour images

About the Author

Brian MacDonald lived and worked in Iran from 1972 to 1977, spending a year of this time with two tribal groups, the Afshar of Kerman and the Qashqa'i of Fars. He has returned to Iran several times in recent years, traveling and collecting antique weavings among the Bakhtiari, Qashqa'i and Shahsavan tribes, and he has also traveled extensively in Afghanistan and Turkey.