Flokati Carpets and the Vlach People

Flokati rugs or Flokati carpets (Flokati Teppich) are a special type of handmade shag wool rug that originates from the Vlach people of Romania, Greece, and other southeastern European countries. However, Flokati rugs have become popular in modern times, and a number of imitation designs are also produced in factories all over the world. The traditional and natural colour of a Flokati carpet is off white, although these rugs are often dyed different colours to create unique effects.

The rugs are still produced in the mountains of Greece, as well as other locations throughout the region of southeastern Europe. However, their desirability in North America and Europe has created a large industry for them around the world, especially in modern living rooms and kid's bedrooms.

Vlach is a term which is often used to describe the people from a large area of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Many of the groups of people who have been described as Vlachs come from the modern nation of Romania, although there are lots of other groups who love outside the modern Romanian state. The Vlach people are often associated with Flokati rugs and carpets, one example of the many beautiful and practical products produced by their culture. Flokati rugs are associated with the mountains of Greece, and are a result of the Vlach tribes spreading south and mixed with neighbouring populations like the Slavs, Greeks, Albanians, and Bulgars among others.

Almost all modern day countries in Central and Southeastern Europe have some degree of native Vlach population, including Hungary, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Albania, Greece and Bulgaria. However, in many other nations the Vlach population has been completely assimilated by the Slavic population. Today, it is only in Romania and the Republic of Moldova to the north where the Vlach population is considered as an ethnic majority, although much of the craftsmanship and many of the traditions of the Vlach people have spread throughout Europe.

A number of carpets and rugs from traditional cultures have become desirable in the developed world, as people discover the wonderful craftsmanship of traditional cultures. While people often travel to these areas to purchase authentic products, imitation designs are often more affordable and accessible in the developed world. Flokati rugs are the perfect example of just how well traditional designs can translate into a modern domestic setting.