There is no doubt that handmade carpets and tribal textiles have a worldwide popularity. There is no doubt either that the “rug bug” quickly attaches itself to the buyer. Many times when I have escorted potential buyers on their initial carpet souk tour, I have noticed how quickly they become enamored of all the various carpets, their designs, and the rich colors that suffuse them. The rug bug stirs many people to a delightful mixture of awe and innate appreciation when they stand ankle deep in woven treasure. The numerous symptoms of the rug bug include the urge to view carpets on a regular basis, the inability to pass a carpet shop without going inside, finding it difficult to leave a carpet shop empty-handed, and wishing you had the financial means to purchase every carpet that appeals to you. The negative symptoms include the realization how quickly your savings can deplete after only a few visits to carpet shops or, alternatively, entering into protracted monthly payments to the carpet merchant for the many carpets that you have taken home and cannot part with.
A curious side effect of the rug bug is how it can temporarily strain friendships when groups of people are viewing the same carpet. On many occasions I have witnessed this strange phenomenon. A typical scenario would be as follows:
A party of people visiting a carpet shop are viewing a selection of carpets that have been unrolled before them. One of the carpets on view stirs immense interest from the party of people, and their body language indicates that all of them would like to purchase the same carpet. There are sighs of appreciation for the carpet from a number of people sitting down among the neatly folded and rolled carpets, while other members of the group purposefully strut around the carpet while peering down at it intensely and declaring unequivocal interest too. The carpet dealers, well aware that a carpet war is about to erupt, choose to sit down smiling and eagerly wait for events to unravel.
The group of people in the shop are now aware that they all desire the same carpet, so psychological and acting skills are engaged to outwit each other. Comments come forth: The carpet is too big, or too small. The colors are too brash and invasive. The design is very common. You will find this sort of carpet anywhere. All this in the hope of terminating their friends’ interest. Other comments follow: Have the carpet; I don’t mind. This in the hope that the other person will feel a little guilty and withdraw their interest in the carpet. Other ploys include repeated shakes of the head and appearing totally disinterested and focusing on other woven items. At this intense stage, the party of people stare at the carpet and silence prevails. The only noise is the incessant clicking and whirling of the antiquated ceiling fan above.
The carpet dealer’s slurping of green tea suddenly breaks the silence. His telling smile and direct eye contact with each individual make everyone a little uneasy. They know that he knows that they were all trying to out fox one another in trying to acquire the same carpet. A trace of guilt can be found on all of their faces, and to atone, they allow diplomacy to prevail. No one wants to be seen taking the carpet from the others, so everyone decides to leave the shop empty-handed. But they quietly mutter to themselves that they intend to return soon — but alone — to buy that wonderful carpet. Everyone leaves the shop thanking the carpet dealers for their time and patience. However, the last person from the group to leave the shop shakes hands and winks at the carpet merchant. The carpet merchant opens his hand, which reveals a SR 500 deposit. “See you tomorrow. The carpet is mine,” whispers the customer.
The most fascinating and very exciting benefits gained from acquiring the “rug bug” include the historical, cultural, and geographical information that in a subliminal way steadily builds up in one’s sub-conscience during the many excursions to the carpet shops. Carpets and related textiles are indeed like ancient manuscripts lying there waiting to be read.
Allowing the “rug bug” to run its course will endow upon us all not just a collection of fine carpets and tribal textiles, but also an increased awareness about different weaving nations and their individual cultures. Armed with such a rich and vibrant background of information will only help us to empathise and respect these people.
If it were not for their carpets and tribal textiles, we would probably be none the wiser. To date, there is no known cure for the “rug bug” and hopefully, there never will be!
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Website: www.warpsandwefts.com