Prayer rugs have a unique spot in the rug-weaving tradition. They not only provide you with a clean space to pray, but the motifs and symbols on handmade prayer rugs for sale are closely associated with religious beliefs.
Out of all the Oriental and Persian handmade rugs, prayer rugs are admired the most by Muslims in particular because their looks, deign patterns, and symbolic motifs are a reminder of paradise and eternity.
The History of Handmade Prayer Rugs
Crafted originally for a specific purpose in Islamic faith, antique prayer rugs are centuries old and feature the most symbolic and highly religious design patterns.
The initial production and manufacturing of these rugs isn’t limited to any specific geographic location, rather the carpets were woven by artisans throughout the Islamic world. Some major areas where the most charming handmade prayer rugs for sale are made to this date include Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Tribal men from the Caucasus mountains also contributed greatly to the art.
In terms of the origin of these rugs, closely analyzing their design patterns can provide you with an insight into their background and the tribe or village they were crafted by.
The industry particularly flourished under the Mughal, Ottoman, and Safavid dynasties. Under these rules, prayer handmade rugs were often crafted by highly skilled weavers using premium quality materials. In some cases, even gold and silver threads were added to the rug fabric.
These rugs were considered national treasures and were traded from the Middle Eastern and Asian regions to Europe and the Far East.
Often, the high-quality magnificent handmade prayer rugs crafted to perfection were considered to precious to be used and prayed on. Hence, these magnificent prayer mats ended up being used as wall décor items in palaces, mosques, and homes of aristocrats.
How do you identify which rug is a prayer rug?
The design patterns of a prayer rug for sale differ significantly form those of other handmade rugs. They feature symbolic imagery and motifs, accompanied with geometric patterns.
Additionally, prayer mats or rugs are made in sizes smaller than those of area handmade rugs.
The Significance and Use of a Prayer Rug
In the Islamic tradition, Muslims pray 5 times daily. It’s compulsory to choose a clean spot for these prayers, and a prayer rug is used for that purpose – to cover the bare ground while praying.
Although it is the Muslims that’re considered to be the frontrunners when it comes to using prayer rugs, their origin is often linked to Christianity.
While Christians mostly used a pillow or clean mat to kneel nowadays, it hasn’t been this way since the beginning, prayer rugs have been used by Christians over the years.
Additionally, even though it is true that handmade prayer rugs for sale are mostly crafted and used by Muslims around the world, their use isn’t a prerequisite for offering Salaat (the Muslim prayer).
However, the rugs do hold a significant religious value and are of importance to Muslims. So much so that premium quality prayer rugs have become a precious collectible and are often hung on the walls for decorative purposes.
The Design Patterns, Symbols and Colors
Most commonly prayer rugs feature highly symbolic Islamic imagery that the weavers find important to display. A popular symbol is the ‘Mihrab’ that’s often found in mosques in the fall facing the Kaaba. Therefore, this particular symbol represents the direction in which the prayer is to be performed.
While some prayer rugs have symbols that display the actual Islamic architecture of the Mihrab, others only include certain abstract representations of the idea.
Apart from this, they’re ornamented with architectural motifs, mostly of mosques and the Kaaba, such as pair of columns supporting an archway, or a hanging lantern.
Flower imagery is also found in prayer rugs, with the most common design being the image of the ‘tree of life’. Flower-filled vases are another popular design motif found commonly on antique prayer rugs.
You can find exquisite handmade prayer rugs for sale in almost all colors, green being the most common choice of weavers since the color is traditionally symbolic of paradise. In addition to green, shades of red, grey, beige, brown, and golden are also common and prayer rugs in these shades are highly-sought after.
The Materials and Weaving Techniques
Only 100% natural and extremely high-quality materials are used in the weaving of handmade prayer rugs for sale.
The most common materials are silk, cotton and wool, each of which are either used separately or in combination with another. Moreover, to enhance the feel and texture of a prayer rug, threads of bamboo silk, as well as goat and camel hair are also added by some tribes.
The prayer rugs crafted originally to be placed in palaces also often included silver and gold threads tat made these rugs extremely valuable and a highly expensive collectible.
Naturally dyed wool is the most common material used for prayer rugs; hence these rugs have a velvety feel and are extremely durable. The best part is, prayer rugs made out of naturally dyed materials don’t bleed at all and rarely fade (only if placed under direct sunlight).
Ancient weaving techniques are employed in the making of handmade prayer rugs, further enhancing the texture and durability of these exquisite artifacts.
Where to Find the Best Handmade Prayer Rugs for Sale?
Pakistan is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of handmade rugs and carpets.
Pakistani handmade rugs exceed most rugs in their quality, style, feel, and durability. Hence the prayer rugs made by Pakistani carpet weavers are in a league of their own.
Their design patterns are mostly symbolic and filled with images of the Islamic architecture. Plus, they’re crafted in both bold and subtle tones, from bright reds, greens, and blues, to earthy tones such as beige, light gold, and grey.
Where can you find the best quality handmade prayer rug for sale?
Check our online handmade rugs store and make a purchase without worrying about the rug quality or authenticity. And if you’re not satisfied with the rug you buy, simply return or exchange the item without any questions asked!
