Carpets For Commerce: Rug-Weaving In The Caucasus (original) (raw)

This paper examines the historical and contemporary aspects of rug-weaving in the Caucasus, highlighting its evolution from a craft influenced by economic incentives and czarist policies to a centralized production system shaped by Soviet planning. Three categories of commercial carpets are identified: 'dragon carpets' from the 17th century, those revealing stylistic influences from other textile techniques, and carpets linked to the kustari industry. The analysis culminates in projections about the future of carpet production amidst ongoing political and economic changes in the region.