KOLIAY

I Koliay are a semi-nomadic Kurdish people who live in a rural area between the towns of Songor, Asadabad and Kirmanshah, where their rugs can be found. These are rather coarse and sturdy rugs with relative high pile. They are made of good quality wool and have a nice sheen. The most common sizes are the Zaronim (circa 150x100 cm.) and an elongated Sajadeh (circa 250x130 cm). The most commonly used typical decorative motif is known as Bandi or Shir Shekary (meaning milk and sugar), and is probably a simplification of the full-field floral designs from the Savafid period.
The field is divided into diamond shapes by a continuous lattice comprising lines and tiny rosettes. Sometimes the pattern defines the corner-pieces at others it extends over the entire field. Sometimes there is also a central medallion. Another peculiarity of this pattern is the background colour: it is always a caramel brown while red is frequently used on the borders.