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Traditional wool weaving in North Khorasan Province
Typically, the background of Pelas features horizontal, colorful strips, and although similar in design and motifs to Jajims, Pelas are distinguished by their horizontal strip orientation, while Jajims have vertical strips. While Pelas are woven in other regions of Iran, North Khorasan Province is renowned for its distinctive Pichbafi technique, which involves no special knots. Instead, patterns are created by passing colorful wefts through wraps, with wefts passing from both front and behind for added stability, giving the patterns an embossed appearance.
Nomadic weavers produce these textiles on horizontal looms using wool from their own sheep. Women spin the yarns, dye them, and weave Pelas, rugs, and other textiles. Depending on the product’s size, they choose a suitable loom and stretch the yarns in a traditional Persian or “Zarb Dari” style. Once stretched, a mixture of flour and water (clay or paste) is applied to the top and bottom of the loom to prevent the wraps from loosening if cut.
Regarding the handicrafts of North Khorasan Province, the region is renowned for its diverse and vibrant textile traditions, including kilim weaving, embroidery, and leatherwork. These craftworks reflect the cultural heritage of various ethnic groups, like Kurds, Turkmens, and Persians, preserving ancient techniques and motifs. The local handicrafts not only serve practical purposes but also form a vital part of the region’s cultural identity and are highly valued for their artistry and craftsmanship.