Soumak is now universal. Erroneously
too, these rugs are known as "Kashmir," for the sole reason that they
are woven with a flat stitch and the loose ends left hanging at the
back, just as they are in the old Kashmir shawls. The designs bear a
resemblance to those of the Daghestans, and the hook is omnipresent. The
best are durable, and sometimes a rarely beautiful Soumak is discovered,
distinguished from the ordinary specimens by its soft hues and fine
texture. One that I have in mind is of a rich blue field, with
geometrical figures in terra cotta shades, and a rare bit of green in
the way of ornamentation; the field of another is rose, and the
geometrical forms are in deep blues, old blues, and ivory.

_Tchechen_ (Chichi or Tzitzi) rugs are made by the Chichi nomads living
among the mountains of Daghestan. The rugs have a strong resemblance to
the Shirvans, and are often sold under that name. They are of about the
same color and quality, but are wider. In the border there are
frequently geometrical designs arranged between two or more stripes, and
the tau cross is sometimes seen.

[Illustration: KAZAK RUG

SIZE, 8.3 x 4.10

_This is an unusually fine specimen of a Kazak rug. Its softness,
combined with its solidity, gives it force and beauty. On the wonderful
rose field a series of geometrical figures, five in number, are placed.
Odd figures, including stiff little animals, fill in the remaining
field. The wide border is composed of small diamonds, with varied forms
of the hook design. The strength of the Cossacks is displayed in this
hardy, forceful, and richly colored rug._

OWNED BY MRS. CYRUS H. MCCORMICK, CHICAGO.]

IV

MISCELLANEOUS ORIENTAL RUGS

RUGS OF THE HOLY LAND

No rugs of importance are woven in Palestine. In several villages a
coarse cloth is made which is waterproof because of its firm texture. It
is used for cloaks or abas, and these are worn by all the men of the
land. In Bethlehem is made the coarse cloth which is used as tent
covering. This is produced from the sombre hair of the Palestine goat.

All Syrian rugs are made of pure wool, a home product of an average
quality. Looms operated by machinery are unknown. The rugs are made in a
primitive fashion by the peasant women and girls, who work at the looms
in their own homes when not engaged in field labor or domestic duties.
They also do the washing, dyeing, and spinning of the wool. The
introduction of rug-weaving into Syria