What is Soumak, and what types of items is it used to create?

Soumak, also spelled in various ways like soumakh, sumak, sumac, or soumac, is a tapestry weaving technique used to create sturdy and decorative fabrics. These fabrics are commonly used for carpets, rugs, domestic bags, and bedding, with bedding specifically known as soumak mafrash.

How does the Soumak weaving technique differ from the Kilim technique?

Soumak is a type of flat weave that resembles Kilim but is stronger and thicker, featuring a smooth front and a ragged back, unlike Kilim which is smooth on both sides. Soumak also lacks the characteristic slits found in Kilim because it typically uses supplementary weft threads for continuous support.

What are the proposed etymological origins for the term 'Soumak'?

The name 'Soumak' may originate from the Azerbaijani town of Shemakja, a historical trading center. Alternative theories suggest it comes from the Turkish word 'sekmek' (to skip up and down), referring to the weaving motion, or from the sumac plant family, possibly linked to the Arabic and Syriac word 'summāq' meaning 'red', due to the plant's use in dyestuffs.

What is distinctive about the reverse side of Soumak fabric?

The back of Soumak fabric is characterized by a ragged appearance, featuring visible loose ends of the colored weft threads. These ends can extend several inches, contributing to the fabric's extra thickness and warmth.

How does Soumak weaving handle color transitions compared to Kilim?

Unlike Kilim, Soumak weaving does not typically create slits where colors meet. This is because a supplementary or structural weft is used to support the colored pattern weft, ensuring a continuous fabric surface.

What is a 'weftless soumak,' and who is noted for creating them?

A 'weftless soumak' is a variation of the Soumak technique where the structural weft support is omitted, causing the stitches to naturally overlap. This technique is noted as being used in some later Soumaks made by the Kurds.

How does the strength and durability of Soumak compare to Kilim and piled carpets?

Soumak fabrics are generally finely woven and are considered stronger than kilims. However, they are not as durable as piled carpets.

In what ways can the Soumak wrapping technique be incorporated into the overall design of a textile?

The Soumak wrapping can be used to cover the entire surface of an item like a bag or rug. Alternatively, it can be applied in decorative strips, creating a contrast with areas woven in a plainer, thinner flatweave style.

What specific type of bedding is referred to as 'soumak mafrash'?

Soumak mafrash refers to bedding made using the Soumak tapestry weaving technique, known for creating sturdy and decorative fabrics.

What symbolic meanings are associated with the motifs found on a Soumak Mafrash from Borchali?

The patterns on a Soumak Mafrash from Borchali, dating to the late 19th century, include motifs like the eye, cross, and hook, which are used to ward off the evil eye. Additionally, a central diamond-shaped motif is present, representing a dragon.

Describe a method of constructing bags that combines Soumak and Kilim weaving techniques.

Bags were sometimes constructed with a Soumak face and a top section woven in a tapestry-like Kilim style. This top section featured slits between color blocks, through which a rope could be threaded to fasten and close the bag.

What is the typical range of sizes for items made using the Soumak technique?

Soumak items come in a variety of sizes, ranging from large carpet formats to bags designed for bedding or use on pack animals, and even down to small, tribal domestic bags.

What is a distinctive feature sometimes found in Soumak saddle bags made by the Lurs?

Soumak saddle bags made by the Lurs sometimes combine the Soumak weaving technique with knotted carpet piling within a single piece.

How do weavers create curved or slanted shapes within Soumak motifs?

Weavers can create curved or slanted shapes in Soumak motifs by manipulating the weft threads, pushing them around as needed to achieve the desired form.

In which geographical regions are Soumak products primarily made?

Soumak products are made in several regions, including the Caucasus (particularly the Shirvan region), Southern and Western Persia (including Luristan), Turkish Anatolia, and by the Shahsavan tribe and Kurds in northwestern Persia, as well as the Baloch people along the Persia-Afghanistan border.

Can you describe the specific wrapping process used in Soumak weaving?

The Soumak technique involves wrapping weft threads over a set number of warp threads, typically four, and then drawing them back under the last two warps. This process is repeated across the fabric from one selvedge to the other.

What function does the supplementary weft serve in Soumak weaving?

The supplementary or structural weft in Soumak weaving serves to support the colored pattern weft, preventing the formation of slits where different colors meet and ensuring a continuous fabric surface.

What are the functional benefits of the ragged back in Soumak textiles?

The ragged back of Soumak textiles, characterized by visible loose ends of the weft threads, provides extra thickness and warmth to the fabric.

What types of motifs are commonly found in Soumak weavings, and what symbolic meanings are attributed to them?

Soumak weavings can feature motifs such as the eye, cross, and hook, which are intended to ward off the evil eye. A central diamond-shaped motif may represent a dragon. Additionally, motifs for fertility and protection are used in Soumak weft-wrapping, as seen on camel bags from Malatya.

What does the central diamond-shaped motif typically represent in Soumak patterns?

In some Soumak patterns, particularly those found on items like the Borchali Mafrash, the central diamond-shaped motif is understood to represent a dragon.

How might the name 'Soumak' be connected to the color red?

The name 'Soumak' might be connected to the color red if its origin traces back to the Arabic and Syriac word 'summāq', which means 'red'. This connection is hypothesized if the name derives from the sumac plant, which is used to create dyestuffs.

What historical significance does the town of Shemakja have in relation to the term 'Soumak'?

The town of Shemakja, located in Azerbaijan and historically a major trading center in the Eastern Caucasus, is considered a plausible origin for the name 'Soumak'.

According to one etymological theory, what does the Turkish word 'sekmek' refer to in the context of Soumak weaving?

One theory suggests that 'Soumak' derives from the Turkish word 'sekmek', which means 'to skip up and down'. This is interpreted as a reference to the repetitive, up-and-down motion involved in the weaving process.

Describe the specific weft wrapping pattern used in Soumak weaving over the warp threads.

The Soumak technique involves wrapping weft threads over a specific number of warp threads, typically four, and then drawing them back under the last two warps. This wrapping action is repeated across the width of the fabric.

How does the appearance of the front of a Soumak fabric differ from its back?

The front face of a Soumak fabric is smooth, while the back is characterized by a ragged appearance due to the exposed ends of the weft threads.

What role do supplementary weft threads play as 'continuous supports' in Soumak weaving?

Supplementary weft threads act as continuous supports in Soumak weaving, helping to create a stronger, thicker fabric and preventing the formation of slits, which are characteristic of Kilim weaving.

What is the symbolic meaning attributed to the eye, cross, and hook motifs found in Soumak patterns?

The eye, cross, and hook motifs, which are also used on kilims, are incorporated into Soumak patterns with the intention of warding off the evil eye.

What specific type of textile product is identified as a 'soumak mafrash'?

Soumak mafrash specifically refers to fabrics made using the Soumak weaving technique that are used for bedding.

How is the top section of bags constructed when Soumak and Kilim techniques are combined?

When Soumak and Kilim techniques are combined in bag construction, the top section is typically woven in a tapestry style similar to Kilim, featuring slits between blocks of color.

What is the functional purpose of the slits found in the Kilim-like top of combined Soumak-Kilim bags?

The slits in the Kilim-like top of these bags serve a functional purpose: a rope is threaded through them to fasten and close the bag securely.

What detail is highlighted in one of the images of the Luristan Soumak saddle bag?

One of the images provides a close-up view of the woollen handle of the Luristan Soumak saddle bag.

What is described about the rear side of the Luristan Soumak saddle bag in one of the image captions?

The image caption 'Simple red and blue striped rear, without weft wrapping' indicates that the rear of the Luristan Soumak saddle bag features simple red and blue stripes and lacks the weft wrapping technique.

What specific characteristic of the weft yarns in Soumak weaving is highlighted in the detail image caption?

The image caption highlights that the weft yarns in Soumak weaving can be manipulated or 'pushed about' by the weaver as desired, allowing for the creation of specific shapes.

What does a specific detail image of the Soumak saddle bag's reverse side illustrate?

A detail image of the reverse side of the Soumak saddle bag illustrates the characteristic ragged ends of the weft threads, showing them in various colors.

Which specific region within the Caucasus is particularly noted for Soumak production?

The Shirvan region, located within the Caucasus, is especially noted for the production of Soumak items.

Beyond the Caucasus and Persia, what other areas are identified as locations for Soumak product manufacturing?

In addition to the Caucasus and Persia, Soumak products are also made in Turkish Anatolia, and by the Baloch people situated on the border between Persia and Afghanistan.

Which tribal groups in northwestern Persia are known for producing Soumak textiles?

The Shahsavan tribe and the Kurdish people in northwestern Persia are identified as groups that produce Soumak textiles.

What are the key structural differences in weave between Soumak and Kilim textiles?

Soumak textiles have a stronger, thicker weave with a smooth front and a ragged back, unlike Kilim which is smooth on both sides. Crucially, Soumak lacks the slits found in Kilim because it uses supplementary weft threads for support.

What is the role of supplementary weft threads when they function as continuous supports in Soumak weaving?

When used as continuous supports, supplementary weft threads in Soumak weaving help create a more robust fabric and prevent the formation of slits, distinguishing it from Kilim weaving.

Besides 'Soumak,' what are other common spellings or variations of the term?

Other common spellings and variations for 'Soumak' include soumakh, sumak, sumac, and soumac.

In the standard Soumak wrapping technique, how many warp threads are typically involved in each wrap?

In the typical Soumak wrapping technique, the weft threads are wrapped over a set number of warp threads, usually four.

How is the back of a Soumak textile typically described in terms of its texture and the appearance of the threads?

The back of a Soumak textile is described as ragged, featuring visible loose ends of the differently colored weft threads, which can extend several inches.

How can decorative strips of Soumak wrapping enhance the visual design of a textile?

Decorative strips of Soumak wrapping can be applied to contrast with plainer, thinner flatweave areas, adding visual interest and complexity to the overall design of the textile.

What symbolic representation is associated with the central diamond-shaped motif found in some Soumak patterns?

The central diamond-shaped motif found in certain Soumak patterns, such as those on the Borchali Mafrash, is understood to represent a dragon.

If the name 'Soumak' originates from the sumac plant, what is the linguistic connection to the word 'summāq'?

If the name 'Soumak' originates from the sumac plant, it is likely derived from the Arabic and Syriac word 'summāq', which means 'red'. This connection arises because sumac plants are used to produce dyes.

How does the weave of Soumak compare in terms of strength and thickness to that of Kilim?

Soumak is characterized by a stronger and thicker weave compared to Kilim, while both are types of flat weaves.

What functional benefit does the ragged back of Soumak textiles offer?

The ragged back of Soumak textiles, with its visible loose weft threads, contributes to the fabric's extra thickness and warmth.

In the Soumak wrapping technique, how many warp threads are the wefts drawn back under?

In the Soumak wrapping technique, after wrapping over a set number of warps, the wefts are drawn back under the last two of those warps.

What is a notable characteristic of some later Soumak textiles produced by Kurdish weavers?

Some later Soumak textiles made by Kurdish weavers are described as 'weftless,' meaning they lack the structural weft support, which causes the stitches to overlap naturally.

Soumak Wiki: The Art of Soumak: An In-depth Exploration of a Rich Weaving Tradition

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What is Soumak?

A Distinct Weaving Technique

Soumak, also known by variations such as soumakh, sumak, sumac, or soumac, refers to a specific tapestry weaving technique. It is employed to create robust and decorative fabrics, primarily utilized for carpets, rugs, domestic bags, and bedding. Fabrics specifically designed for bedding are often termed 'soumak mafrash'.

Resemblance and Distinction from Kilim

Soumak is classified as a type of flat weave, sharing similarities with kilim. However, it is distinguished by its stronger, thicker weave. The front face is smooth, while the reverse side is characteristically ragged. Unlike kilim, which often features slits where colors meet, Soumak typically incorporates supplementary weft threads that act as continuous supports, thereby avoiding these slits and enhancing durability.

The Weaving Process

The fundamental technique involves wrapping colored weft threads over and under the warp threads. This process not only adds significant strength to the fabric but also creates intricate, embroidery-like patterns, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the finished textile.

The Soumak Technique

Method of Construction

The Soumak technique is executed by wrapping weft threads over a specific number of warp threads, typically four, before drawing them back under the last two. This procedure is systematically repeated from one selvedge to the other. The wefts used in this method are discontinuous; weavers select colored threads sequentially, wrapping each within the designated area for that particular color.

Structural Integrity and Finish

A key characteristic differentiating Soumak from Kilim is the absence of slits. This is achieved through the use of a supplementary or structural weft that supports the colored pattern weft. Consequently, the reverse side of a Soumak textile is left ragged, with the loose ends of the differently colored weft threads visible, often extending several inches. This feature contributes to the fabric's thickness and warmth.

Variations and Adaptations

While the standard technique involves a structural weft, some later Soumak pieces, particularly those created by Kurdish weavers, are 'weftless'. In these instances, the stitches naturally overlap without the need for a separate structural weft. The colored weft wrapping frequently covers the entire surface of a bag or rug, but it can also be applied in decorative strips, interspersed with plainer, thinner flatweave sections, offering a contrast in texture and appearance.

Etymology

Origins of the Name

The term 'Soumak' likely originates from the historical town of Shemakja, situated in Azerbaijan. This town was once a significant trading hub in the Eastern Caucasus region. Alternative etymological theories suggest a derivation from the Turkish verb 'sekmek', meaning 'to skip up and down', referring to the weaving process itself. Another plausible origin points to the Arabic and Syriac word 'summāq', meaning 'red', potentially linking the name to the red dyes derived from plants in the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), which were historically used in textile coloration.

Geographical Origins

Areas of Production

Soumak textiles are traditionally produced across several key regions, reflecting a rich cultural heritage in weaving:

The Caucasus: Particularly prominent in the Shirvan region.
Persia (Iran): Including Luristan, and areas inhabited by the Shahsavan tribe and Kurdish people in the northwest.
Anatolia (Turkey): Specifically in the southern and western parts.
The Baloch People: Found along the Persia-Afghanistan border.

These diverse geographical origins contribute to the stylistic variations observed in Soumak weaving.

Visual Examples

Soumak Mafrash (bedding bag) panel from Borchali, Georgia (late 19th century).

Features motifs like the eye, cross, and hook for protection, and a central diamond representing a dragon.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan (late 20th century) - Front View.

Showcases decorative motifs and potential combination with pile weaving.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan - Detail of Woollen Handle.

Illustrates the construction of functional elements.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan - Simple Rear.

Features a plain red and blue striped rear, without weft wrapping.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan - Detail of Weft Wrapping.

Demonstrates how weft yarns can be manipulated to form patterns.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan - Detail of Motif on Front.

Highlights the intricate patterns achievable with the Soumak technique.

Soumak Saddle Bag - Detail of Decorative Border.

Shows slits designed for rope closure and securing the bag.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan - Shown Open.

Reveals the interior structure and construction.

Soumak Saddle Bag - Detail of Edge with Pile Carpet Strip.

Illustrates the combination of Soumak with pile carpet weaving techniques.

Soumak Saddle Bag from Luristan - Detail of Reverse.

Shows the characteristic ragged ends of weft threads of different colors.

References

Source Material

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References

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model. The content is based exclusively on the provided Source of Truth document and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source, the information may not be exhaustive or reflect the most current understanding of the subject matter.

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The Art of Soumak

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Soumak? ℹ️

🧶 A Distinct Weaving Technique

🖼️ Resemblance and Distinction from Kilim

✨ The Weaving Process

The Soumak Technique 🧵

⚙️ Method of Construction

🪡 Structural Integrity and Finish

🎨 Variations and Adaptations

Etymology 🗣️

📜 Origins of the Name

Geographical Origins 🗺️

🌍 Areas of Production

Visual Examples 🖼️

References 📚

📜 Source Material

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Soumak?

A Distinct Weaving Technique

Resemblance and Distinction from Kilim

The Weaving Process

The Soumak Technique

Method of Construction

Structural Integrity and Finish

Variations and Adaptations

Etymology

Origins of the Name

Geographical Origins

Areas of Production

Visual Examples

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice