Pambak is a village located on the left bank of Pambak river, in Lori region of Armenia. The rug got its name from the village where the rugs with this design are most commonly found. In the antique trade, Lori Pambak rugs are known from the early nineteenth century. Wool or occasionally a mixture of goat hair and wool is used for the warp. Dyed-red wool is used for the weft, but at times cotton, or a mixture of goat hair and wool, is used. The sheep wool pile is cut high․
These carpets are characterized by a cross-shaped composition. Its horizontal wings end in a cocoon-shaped pattern. The vertical ones are stylized as two animals depicted in a frontal position and have a triangular protrusion in their middle. In the center of the composition there is usually an ornament, which is also repeated in the center of the vertical wings. This whole has the same basic color, is in a polygonal frame, or without it.
The principal background colors in Lori Pambaks are deep reds and blues. A unique characteristic of Lori Pambak rugs is the greenish yellow coloration used for the medallion, borders, and design elements throughout. In addition to these hues, ivory and shades of brown are included for design motifs and borders.
Lori Pambak rugs have rich, strong colors. In the antique market they are popular because of the open-field style and simplicity of their design. The sizes vary from small rugs to approximately ten feet by six feet.
This type of rug is typical of the carpet weaving centers of Gugark, Artsakh, Syunik, as well as Vanand and Javakhk. But it is most typical of Lori and especially Pambak.
Source:
Abraham Levi Moheban;The Encyclopedia of Antique Carpets, Twenty Five Centuries of Weaving.