Varni-Bafi of Iran’s Ardabil: Persian handicraft

The northwestern Iranian province of Ardabil is home to craftspeople who practice Varni-Bafi which is the nomadic art of hand weaving a traditional and popular flooring cover.

Varni-Bafi stems from an ancient tribe known today as the Ilsavan. The art is currently being practiced in an area called Moghan plain, which lies in northwestern Iran.

Varni AKA Sumak is double-sided and is something between carpets and kilims. Varni is woven by a skilled weaver with years of experience.

Being considered to be the most durable in the world, Varni is made more frequently with wool and silk in the winter season since the nomads have settled in one place and have the time.

The Ardabil nomads produce Varni with style, motifs (birds and animals), and color palettes being among the best in Iran.

Varni with motifs inspired by prehistoric potteries from this area is also used to make saddlebags which are used to carry the utensils of nomads.

Being home to the UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, Ardabil is popular for its lush natural beauties, hospitable people, and its silk carpet trade tradition.  

The province is very cold in winter and mild in summer. The capital city of Ardabil is usually recorded as one of the coldest cities in the country in winter.

More Persian handicrafts:

Papier-mache and lacquer work

Kapu weaving of Khuzestan

Pan-Bafi

Kiseh-Bafi

Darayi-Bafi

Aba-Bafi

Khorjin-Bafi

Chigh-Bafi

Sermeh-Douzi

Ihrami weaving

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