Soumak or Sumak is a type of rug that has a flat weave. It is made by passing the thread horizontally around successive pairs of warps. Antique Soumak rugs are unique because the wefts are used to produce the designs and not to be attached to the rug’s structure. The result is a strong flat weave rug with exceptional durability. Unlike kilims, Soumak rugs are not reversible because the uncut threads are on the back of the rug.Soumak comes from the name of the village of Shemaka, in the Caucasus, where this technique was widely practiced. This weaving technique has been practiced extensively throughout the ancient carpet-producing world, from Central Asia to Persia, the Caucasus and Turkey.Traditionally, these spectacular flatweave rugs are decorated with ancient symbols, small birds and geometric animals. As Soumak rugs were woven in different regions, the designs they feature are diverse.
Although they are quite rare compared to pile rugs, antique Soumak rugs feature large medallions, finely executed repeating geometric patterns, and Persian garden designs that are surrounded by multiple sets of richly detailed borders.Antique Soumak rugs make excellent floor art, but this technique was also used to make bags, saddle covers, bedspreads and other household items. Like other regional arts, antique Soumak rugs are highly decorative and diverse textile pieces that beautify modern environments and provide softness to minimalist interiors.
