Gabbeh Industry in Uncertain State
Although ’Gabbeh’ is classified as a handicraft, Iran’s National Carpet Center is in charge of managing the affairs of this industry.
Speaking to ISNA, deputy head of Bushehr Traditional Arts and Handicrafts Department Ahmad Dehaz further said that about 25,000 out of the 40,000 artisans in the province are involved in weaving the Gabbeh, which is a kind of floor covering made from colored yarns.
However, Traditional Arts and Handicrafts Department, which is in charge of Jajim and Kelim industries, is not responsible for the affairs of Gabbeh artisans who have to seek their dues from the National Carpet Center, he noted.
Stating that craftsmen have the right to complain about the negligence towards Gabbeh weaving, Dehaz further said that there is no doubt that the conditions of the industry will improve once it comes under the jurisdiction of the department.
Carpet Joint Stock Company is represented in several provinces but it lacks the expertise to deal with Gabbeh, he said, noting that under the law, the department cannot support the industry.
Commenting on the changes in the color and design of Gabbeh woven in the province, Dehaz said that they should take market demands into account.
