Gabbeh

This is an image of some Qashqai women spinning.
GNU free document license applies to image.

This style of rug originated in the nomadic tribes from the desert of Fars, Iran. Gabbehs are made of wool and have an exceptionally thick pile (the fibers that stick out of the rug). The term 'gabbeh' actually means 'unclipped,' because the pile of these rugs are not trimmed much. Some of these weavings can be as much as 1” thick.

Some rugs have always been woven for commercial reasons. However, this is not the case with gabbehs. The Qashqai, or Ghashghai, people from the largely desert southwest area of Iran originally made these for use in their own tents. While the Qashqai appreciated these rugs, the weaving world looked down upon them because they used broad areas of color and shape. In contrast the rugs that were considered commercially viable showcased extremely detailed and intricate Persian patterns.

Only more recently has the artistic value of gabbehs been largely recognized outside of the Qashqai.