Oriental rugs have been intriguing and confusing people in the West for hundreds of years. In this general overview of antique rugs, we will explore both of those reactions. Where are these objects from? How old are they? Who made them? What were they made for? What’s a “collectible” rug, as opposed to a “decorative” rug? How are they made? What do we know of the designs and colors? We’ll look at some of the oldest known rugs, and many rugs in public and private collections, and some of the history of “rug collecting” in the West, particularly in America. We will not, to be clear, focus on most of the rugs we get to walk on today; rather, on their parents, grandparents, and ancestors. In addition to looking at pictures, there will be some opportunity for hands-on examination of objects.