Sumak is the name of the weaving technique used to make these flat weave rugs and carpets. They don't have a pile to them, the wool is wrapped around 2 neighboring warp threads then back through the middle and over the next 2 warp threads. This wrapping technique produces a delightful chain stitch effect to the finished surface on one side and the crisp neat finish on the other. Once the rugs come off the loom they are carefully finished, therefore making the rug reversible. The Sumak rugs are made in the thatched cottages of a village about 20 miles away from rug making town of Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh, India. The inspiration of the designs is far reaching and varied. From classic Persian carpets to Eastern European and Bassarabian kelims, hand embroidered suzannies and silk brocades and damask cloth. The combination of the strong wool and cotton foundations produces  a robust rug with a charming rustic finish.