The Journey of Handmade Gabbehs; From Raw Wool to Artistic Manifestation

Handmade gabbehs are one of the most valuable manifestations of Iranian textile art, especially created by the nomads of Fars, Lor, and Bakhtiari regions. These unique rugs are not only practical but also carry the stories, culture, and emotions of their weavers. Zollanvari Company, as one of the most reputable handmade carpet brands in Iran and worldwide, presents gabbeh as a symbol of innovation within tradition. In this content, we take a close look at the production stages of gabbeh, from the very first step—wool preparation—to the final stage of creating an artistic piece.

Selection and Collection of Wool

The gabbeh production process begins with procuring the best type of wool. The wool used in gabbehs is usually obtained from native mountain sheep breeds raised in the high and cold regions of Iran, such as the Zagros Mountains. Due to their natural living conditions, these sheep produce wool that is soft, suitably thick, and highly durable. After shearing, the wool is carefully cleaned to remove impurities and grease.

Traditional Washing and Spinning

After collection, the wool undergoes several washing stages to become completely clean. Then, the washed wool is spun into yarn using manual tools such as spindles and spinning wheels. This work is mainly done by nomadic women, and the quality of the yarn produced at this stage directly affects the durability and delicacy of the gabbeh. One of the notable features of the Zollanvari workshops is the attention to preserving traditional methods alongside the use of modern tools..

Dyeing with Natural Plant Colors

One of the main reasons for the unique beauty of gabbehs is the use of natural plant-based dyes. The wool yarns, after spinning, are colored using pigments extracted from plants such as madder, walnut husk, indigo leaves, and saffron. These dyes not only give the gabbeh a natural appearance but also gain more depth and beauty over time. In Zollanvari workshops, colors are chosen to maintain the harmony and authenticity of the design.

Preparation of the Loom and Warp Stretching

To begin weaving, the loom is prepared. In gabbeh weaving, horizontal (ground) looms are usually used, which are more suitable for the nomadic lifestyle. Warp stretching, which means pulling the vertical threads (warp) onto the loom, is a sensitive and crucial stage that lays the foundation of the gabbeh’s structure. Warp stretching must be done with high precision to ensure uniform, strong, and reliable weaving.

Weaving Gabbeh: The Weaver’s Visual Language

At this stage, the creativity of the weaver takes the lead. Many gabbehs are created without a specific pattern, relying solely on the weaver’s mind and imagination. The mental designs are inspired by the surrounding environment, animals, mountains, trees, cultural symbols, and even personal feelings. This feature ensures that no two gabbehs are exactly alike. The weavers at Zollanvari often come from families who have practiced this handicraft for generations, inheriting experience and artistic taste.

Finishing, Washing, and Drying

After the weaving is completed, the gabbeh is detached from the loom, and the finishing process begins. In this stage, excess fibers are trimmed, edges are tidied, and then the gabbeh is carefully washed. Washing is done with water and natural soap, and then the gabbeh is dried outdoors under the sun. This step enhances the brightness of colors and stabilizes the design. In the workshops, gabbeh finishing is performed according to international standards to preserve the final quality.

Gabbeh as a Living Art

Gabbehs are not just floor coverings but narratives of life. Each gabbeh reflects the culture of the nomads and the skilled hands of the weaver who spent days and months creating it. Zollanvari, by adhering to traditional quality and redefining design for global taste, has managed to turn this cultural heritage into an internationally competitive art.

Conclusion

The handmade gabbeh production process is a combination of nature, culture, experience, and human art. From shearing wool to creating an artistic piece, each step is performed with care and respect for tradition. Zollanvari Company plays a key role in reviving this art by maintaining authenticity while innovating. Gabbeh is not only a rug but also an embodiment of the Iranian spirit.