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Varni standing as unique intermediate between carpets, kilims
The Shahsavan, which was formed by merging of fifty tribes into each other, was named so by Shah Abbas Safavid who ordered them to settle in Azarbaijan as a defense against the advances of Ottoman Empire. Varni is a delicate kilim also known as Sumak. According to many specialists, Varni, that is double sided, is an intermediate between carpets and kilims. It is considered among the complex weaves and it takes a skillful weaver with years of experience to make a Varni.
Varni is weaved using Pudpichi. It is a method in which in addition to warp and weft yarns, an extra thin weft is added to the body of kilim. After inserting the weft yarns, the thin weft is inserted too and then they are packed together by the comb. The extra weft enhances the interconnection of yarns and adds to the durability of the weave. This is considered as the last upgrade in the craft of kilims. Another weave, very similar to Varni, is Shirikipich that is a product of Kerman Province. They also differ in motifs and patterns.
Varni is made more often in the winter season, because that is when the tribe has settled in one place and have the necessary time. The yarn is a mixture of silk and wool. Cotton, wool or silk yarns are used as wraps, and hand spun wool or silk yarn as wefts. Azarbijani nomads use Varni to make saddlebags and horse covers that, in terms of style, motifs (birds and animals) and color palettes, are among the best horse covers of Iran. The big saddlebags that are used to carry the utensils of nomads are ornated by motifs that are inspired by prehistoric potteries of this area.