Comparative Examination of contemporary and ancient Kilim weavings of Ardabil region regarding design, color and weaving

Kilim weaving is of Iranian original art that roots in racial cultures and beliefs and is considered as a means to recognize thoughts and deliver reginal customs . Of the regions active in this field is Ardabil that since the past besides producing kilim was also a place of trade for Turkish Shahsavan that sold their weavings. Therefore, the mentioned region had a special place in kilim weaving. In Ardabil old kilims, we observed dark colors, traditional designs and slashed weavings. In comparing these weavings with the present samples, what attract attention are those differences emerged in the mentioned parameters. In new samples, the highest change is seen in coloring that light colors replaced the old dark colors. In lower rank, there exists change in weaving method. In the past, we observed diversity of slashed weavings in comparison to the method of ghayegh weaving, but today these two techniques are exchanged. Regarding the type of design, the least rate of change could be found that these changes have been made in their methods of combination. The present research that has been conducted by qualitative method used descriptive-analytic method and by comparative approach has examined ancient and new samples which results show the kind of changes. Though the mentioned changes were in order to reach the customers goals specially foreign ones and as a result earn more money by producers, but the quality of new weavings are not considered and besides losing old traditional state, the quality of weavings has been decreased a lot.