The “Natural-Color Carpet of Mahdishahr” is one of the most authentic handwoven carpets in the world, crafted through a process full of delicacy and emotion, rooted in the ancient artistry of the nomadic Sangsari tribe.
In this unique weaving tradition, there is no use of dyes in the warp and weft threads. Every visible shade is the natural color of the wool itself—as if nature has woven its palette directly into the carpet beneath your feet.
In this style, instead of relying on synthetic or even plant-based dyes, the colors of the warp and weft are drawn directly from the natural spectrum of more than 13 shades of wool from the native Sangsari sheep breed.
The weavers of these natural-color carpets are mostly patient and highly skilled women, who, with their capable hands, practice “imaginative weaving” without a formal design, rendering harmonious and sequential knots. Each knot represents hours of patience, mastery, and love for the art.
In the end, these knots come together to create a unique, living carpet. While this art remains alive among the women of the Sangsari nomads, neglect of this authentic craft hinders its vitality and growth. It is expected that officials, through measures such as registering it on the National Heritage List, will help preserve this ancient legacy.
The use of the wool’s natural colors, free from chemicals, reduces pollution and helps protect the environment. Moreover, the absence of synthetic dyes and artificial additives makes this carpet safe for home use—especially for children and those with sensitivities.
The natural spectrum of shades in the self-colored carpets of the Sangsari nomads, combined with their unique motifs, enhances the sense of tranquility and deepens one’s connection to nature for anyone who steps upon these handwoven works.
The self-colored carpets of the Sangsari nomads are, in fact, a reflection of the region’s cultural identity and a living heritage passed down from past generations. Today, however, with the spread of machine-made carpets and chemical dyes, this authentic art of natural-color weaving faces the risk of neglect and disappearance.
Reviving and safeguarding this craft means preserving an important part of cultural identity, strengthening the local economy, and supporting environmental sustainability. Moreover, with growing global attention to sustainable and eco-friendly products, the natural-color carpet has the potential to gain a distinctive place in both domestic and international markets.
