The History of Rugs in Southern Africa
When choosing a rug, it’s important to consider a few things. The first thing to consider is the type of room. If your entryway or foyer is regularly used, it should be stain resistant and machine washable. The construction of a rug’s materials also determines its durability and longevity. Choose a rug with a sturdy pile and a high pile density, or you’ll have trouble cleaning it. A good rule of thumb is to avoid synthetic fiber area rugs.
The first major history of making rugs in Southern Africa dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. The name “carpeta” is derived from the ancient Latin word “carpere”, which means to pluck or card. The term ‘carpet’ was first used in the 1400s for bed and table coverings, and was used for wall coverings in the 1500s. The word rug was first used by English speakers to refer to a coarse fabric, and is thought to have come from the Xhosa language. In the early 19th century, the term was used to refer to a floor mat.
Rugs come in a variety of designs and textures. Hand-loomed rugs are usually made with multiple yarns of different thicknesses and colors. These rugs are handcrafted by skilled artisans, and they are more expensive than their machine-loomed counterparts. Traditionally, these woven floor coverings were used for beds and tables, and a carpet became popular in the 1500s. In the mid-15th century, the word ‘rug’ was used in English to refer to a coarse piece of fabric. Its origins are obscure, but linguistics trace it to an Old Norse word meaning “rogg” (roughwa), which is derived from a pre-German word “rawwa.” In the early nineteenth century, the word ‘rug’ began to mean a floor mat, despite being associated with wall and furniture coverings.
The history of Oriental Rug-making in Southern Africa began in Swaziland in the mid-seventeenth century, when Greek entrepreneurs hired Pakistani nationals to train the Swazis to make them. In 1982, operations were moved to a township called eZibeleni in the Transkei Bantustan. The resulting brand was called Xhosa Carpets, and the company renamed itself to Ilinge Crafts in 1986.
Several factors determine the cost of a rug, including its texture and size. A good hand-loomed rug should be durable and resistant to wear and tear. Generally, a rug is worth a few shillings per square metre, and the price depends on the quality. Regardless of whether you’re purchasing a hand-loomed or machine-loomed piece of art, you’ll be sure to find the right one for your space.
The history of Oriental Rug-making in Southern Africa dates back to the late seventeenth century. Its origins are in Swaziland. It was there that Greek entrepreneurs employed Pakistani nationals to train the Swazis. In 1982, operations were relocated to eZibeleni township, which is a part of the Transkei Bantustan. The company was originally known as Xhosa Carpets, after the Xhosa people. Later, Ilinge Crafts, however, became Ilinge. The Ilinge region is 20 km from Queenstown.
Besides the design of the rug, the most important element in the overall appearance is its knot count. The number of knots per square inch should not exceed fifteen. The number of knots per square centimeter should be less than one-third of the rug’s total area. The main band is the most obvious part of the rug, so it must be symmetrical. The inner band should be wide enough to accommodate two loops of a single knot, and the outer guard stripes should be no more than half the width of the main band.
The border of a rug is an important element. Depending on its size, the border can have different styles. Its color and shape can be used to create a theme for the rug. Some rugs are patterned, and the colors can be matched to the room. The pattern on a rug can be a combination of patterns. A rug that has a symmetrical color pattern is more expensive than a plain one.
In the early nineteenth century, the word rug traces its origins to the Old Latin word “carpita,” which means “carpeted”. This word was used to refer to a variety of surfaces, including the floor and walls. During the Renaissance, it was common to see carpets on the walls and on the ceilings of rooms. Although the term is now used to describe any piece of fabric, the word “rug” has many meanings.