Tapis

A tapis is a textile floor covering created by weaving, knotting, or tufting fibers to form a durable surface used for walking, insulation, and decoration. In French, tapis means carpet or rug, and the term is used in textile and interior design literature to discuss such coverings.

Construction and materials vary by technique. Most tapis are produced on a loom with warp and weft, and the pile is formed by knotting (knotted pile rugs), looping or tufting. Flatweaves such as kilims lack a raised pile. Common materials include wool (the traditional choice), cotton, and silk, with modern productions using synthetic fibers such as nylon or polypropylene and various blends. Dyes can be natural or synthetic, influencing color fastness and hue.

Styles and design traditions span a wide range. Oriental tapis include Persian and Turkish rugs, along with Caucasian patterns, often featuring floral motifs, medallions, or geometric schemes. Kilims are flat-woven and emphasize geometric designs. Pile heights vary from low to high (shag), and patterns may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, reflecting regional techniques and artistic trends. Rugs may serve as floor coverings, wall accents, or ceremonial pieces in some cultures.

History and cultural context. Carpet weaving has deep roots in the Near East and Central Asia, with some of the earliest surviving knotted examples such as the Pazyryk carpet dating to the 5th century BCE. Carpets and tapis spread along the Silk Road, becoming valued commodities in Islamic lands and Europe. Prayer rugs are a related and widely used subset in various Muslim communities.

Care and market. Regular vacuuming, gentle handling, and protection from direct sunlight help preserve tapis. Professional cleaning is recommended for delicate piles or antique pieces. Today’s market includes handmade artisan carpets and machine-made products, with growing attention to sustainability and fair-trade production practices.