The Tunisian carpet : a tradition, a know-how and an ornament

Being a crossroad of civilizations and a land of cultural meeting, Tunisia has always been renowned for its weavings. During the 5th century BC, the Greek poets already celebrated “the carpets and embroidered cushions of Carthage”. In the first century of Islam, Kairouan produced sophisticated and wonderful carpets which the Aghlabide Princes offered to the governing class in Baghdad. Much Later, in the 15th century, the king of Naples brought from Tunis woolen carpets to decorate his palaces. Several old documents have provided evidence that the trade of carpet from Tunisia towards Europe had indeed existed.

Put in other words, if weaving is anchored in the very old traditions of our country and constitutes one of the richest craft activities, it is, therefore, an artistic form of expression where Tunisian craftsmen have proved to be creative by diversifying texture, design and style.

The carpet, which was exclusive to the town of Kairouan, was introduced, according to the legend, by the governor’s daughter having Turkish origins. She would have spent two years weaving a model which she offered to the mausoleum of the city. Since then, the carpet-weaving tradition had been established all over Tunisia, where each area had affixed its seal bearing its specific characteristics, while a wide range of lively colours had been developed by creative and imaginative craftsman.

Nowadays, the weaving of carpets, which is an activity under control, has gone through deep changes at the level of production techniques, leveling the Tunisian carpet to a doubtless high quality a few years ago. Thus, from the authentic “Kairouan” to the Pearson silk carpet, some of the modern Tunisian carpets are pure marvels combining originality and savour of the land.

Manufacturing techniques

The carpets are craft works, with hand-made canvas stitches, weaved in pure sheep wool having a smooth surface, carefully devoid of any impurities and sound enough to stand against any harm.

The chain is made of twisted cotton very resistant to wear. The dyeing, exclusively natural, is of a perfect strength to resists light, air water.

The quality of a carpet is expressed in well defined texture: 20x20 (40,000 stitches/m²), 30x30 (90,000 stitches/m²), 50x50 (250,000 stitches/m²). Its price depends on its smoothness and the number of stitches/m². However, the most valuable carpets remain those made of silk, which are very fine and tight (250,000 stitches/m²).

Maintenance

No furniture is more exposed to dust and dirt than carpets. The vacuum cleaner is perfect for daily use. Hard brushes, shaking and beating are to be avoided.

Special detergents sold in supermarkets and shops ensure a good washing without being extremely dirty.

Every two or three years, your carpet must be entrusted to a true professional, having the adequate equipment, for a full cleaning.