BAKHTIARI rugs are named by the Bakhtiari tribe, one of the most ancient, noble, and well-known Persian tribes, found in the area southwest of Isfahan in south Central Iran. This once nomadic tribe, was famous because of the daughter, Soraya who helped with settlement. After they established a settlement in the the Zagros region of the Chahar-Mahal area, their production of carpets increased at the start of the 19th century. This region is known for having very luxurious wool that produces excellent carpets. The center of the Bakhtiari weaving area is now southeast of Isfahan in Shahr-Kurd. Today, there are about 200 villages in this area, which make some of the most exquisite carpets. In reference to age, the older pieces usually have a checkerboard or garden pattern decorated with trees-of-life, birds, flowers and animals, in which can be realistic and even abstract. Rug and carpet pieces in this region are known for the weavers' artistry and creative skills. The best known Bakhtiari rug design is the Garden carpet with flower- and tendril-filled compartmental designs (Kheshti Design). Another important Bakhtiari design consists of a decorated field with lattice designs and floral ornaments that are as distinctly executed as the well-drawn medallion carpets of Saman. There is a wide variation in quality and prices among carpets from this region, ranging from consumer carpets up to excellent collector's pieces. Hori carpets are generally of lower quality, while Bibibaff, Chapel Shotur and Saman pieces are good to excellent. Bibibaff carpets are what this region considers to be their finest, traditional carpets. Bibibaff literally means that they were knotted by old women, or a grandmother?s weave. Bibi means woman and baff means to knot. Rugs and carpets from this area are woven in small sizes as well as larger sizes (over 8x10 feet). Occasionally, narrow runners are produced. Room-sized carpets up to a certain size are woven in workshops. There is a great variety of color in the carpets produced in the several hundred villages of this area. The principal colors include many shades of white and ivory, as well as various reds, rusts, browns, greens, yellow ochres, beiges and occasionally dark blues are used. Vegetable dyes generally produce a harmonious range of color, especially in the older pieces and in the Bibibaff. Even though the wool is obtained from the weaver's own sheep, the quality of the same rug can vary, ranging from dull to extremely glossy. The pile is clipped medium-high to high. The warp of the foundation is made of cotton and the weft is made of wool. The Turkish knot is used in greatly varying knot densities, ranging from very coarse to medium fine. In addition some very beautiful floral patterns are still produced in the principal town of Shahr Kurd with the Persian knot, showing long, intricate medallions which portray the similarities of an earlier Isfahan style. Old and antique Bakhtiari rugs are sought after as rather rare collectors' pieces. These works of art not only give the appeal of a nomadic look yet they exert a quality mien. Expect the Older Bakhtiari pieces to be higher than the more reasonably priced newer pieces.