The Meaning, Magic and Mystery of Middle Eastern Rugs and Textile Art

Middle Eastern rugs are far more than decorative floor coverings; they serve as sophisticated visual languages, spiritual tools, and cultural archives. Mr. Pratt will discuss three main sections in summary of how they convey meaning:

1. Function in Prayer and Spiritual Spaces

2. Telling Stories and Historical Narratives

3. Regional Patterns and Tribal Identity

Roger Pratt is a passionate collector, traveler and recognized expert in antique rugs and global textiles. He serves on the board of The Textile Museum at George Washington University and is past president of New York’s rug and textile group, the Hajji Baba Club, founded in 1932.

Roger’s fascination with collecting began in the early 1990s. Over the decades, he has cultivated a deep appreciation for the ethnographic, religious, and historical dimensions of weaving. For Roger, rugs and textiles are far more than decor; they are profound expressions of cultural art that reveal how people lived and adapted over time. His diverse personal collection spans the globe, featuring everything from 18th-century Persian and Kurdish pieces to intricate Indonesian textiles and regional headwear from the Silk Road.

Join us in Heritage Hall, the lowest level of Elliot House each Sunday for our Adult Forum.