ALTITUDE: 100–500 Metres · Semi-arid grasslands
The Char Wool Rug
The Barn is part of the Dune Collection - textiles from Gujarat's semi-arid grasslands, where Patanwadi sheep graze at 100–500 metres in heat, drought, and scarcity. The wool comes from these sheep that graze in arid, sun-bleached terrain. This is a fibre shaped by hardship, and it shows in how it performs. It is coarse in the best sense: dense, hard-wearing, and naturally undyed. The dark and cream tones in this rug are the natural colours of the fleece.
Weaving face-down on a nomadic loom, the weaver works from the back, checking the pattern’s progress in a mirror placed beneath the loom. A technique developed by nomadic communities whose looms could be set up, taken down, and carried across the desert. The father and son who brought this to life are one of the last two families practicing this technique, which is native and unique to the region of northern Gujarat.
The Char loosely refers to the traditional 'chaumukh' motif central to the many populations that call this region home. They are inspired from the migration, folklore and everyday life of these nomads who have been weaving these rugs.
Terrain Notes:
- Origin: Patanwadi sheep wool, Kutch, Gujarat
- Altitute: 100-500m above sea level
- Climate: Arid, drought-prone grasslands
- Fibre: Hardy resilient local dye-free natural wool
- Technique: Continuous wrapped and knotted wefts, flatwoven face-down using a mirror placed under the nomadic loom
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Specifications:
- Patanwadi sheep wool body, cotton fringe
- Natural ivory and dark brown/charcoal (undyed)
- Expect natural colour variation; each piece is unique
- Made to order · 1 month lead time
Care
Shake out or vacuum either side gently on a flat surface. Spot clean spills immediately, do not rub. Professional cleaning recommended for deep cleans. Suitable for low-to-moderate traffic areas; use a rug pad on hard floors.
Shipping
Ships from Ontario, Canada, within 24hrs of receiving the order - except for products that are made to order, which will be shipped after the lead time indicated in the product listing. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.