The Romanian rugs weaving (scoarțe) was practiced throughout Romania, having its origins in peasant households and coming to life in specialized workshops within Orthodox monasteries and passionate family associations. This old craft is still practiced in Maramureș county, in the north and center of the historical province of Moldova and in Prahova and Buzau counties. In addition, its secrets are kept in the counties of Olt, Vâlcea, Dolj and Gorj in picturesque Oltenia. Every corner of this country is deeply rooted in the richness and diversity of this ancestral craft, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditions and undeniable beauty of Romania.
The technique of rug making is one that is passed down from generation to generation and is an expression of creativity, identity and social cohesion. These were also noted by the commission of experts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the rug making technique from Romania and the Republic of Moldova entering the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
In the past, weavers from communities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova made wall rugs, which served not only as decorative and insulating elements, but also as part of the bride’s dowry. Producing these impressively patterned pieces involves a variety of techniques. Certain patterns also indicated the origin of the weaver. Within community practices, rugs also had other uses, such as the funeral ritual, in which context they symbolized a passage of the soul into the future. They were always displayed at international exhibitions as well, to represent the national identity. Today, wall tapestries are valued primarily as works of art, intended for public and private spaces and exhibited in urban festivals and ceremonies. Romanian rugs are an important part of folk creation, being woven from wool and having utilitarian and decorative value. They have an old tradition in Romania and are created by skilled women with real technical know-how. Romanian rugs stand out for their originality, unity and artistic value, integrating European and extra-European motifs and symbols. The rugs are made in horizontal or vertical looms, and the colours come from dyeing the wool with vegetable or chemical pigments. Geometric, zoomorphic, phytomorphic or anthropomorphic patterns are the most common, and their stylization varies by region. Monastery carpet workshops and manufacturing workshops played an important role in the
VIEW details on the website of the Romanian Ministry of Culture
Ancient traditions / The vertical weaving loom is considered the ancestor of the tiara (horizontal weaving loom). The folk costumes, wall rugs would not have existed without the weaving loom present in the past in every house in Maramureș. Baia Mare, Maramureș, May 2019. Photo: Tudorel Ilie (Baia Mare) – From the archive of the F-DE National Competition