Gypsy Rugs Weave a Sense of Camaraderie

by Donal Harris

In this fast-paced age, personal and cultural ties quickly come undone in the face of constantly rotating trends. The massive weight of technology leaves little room for the historic and pristine. But Diana De Mar is attempting to rekindle her long-lost Gypsy heritage by bringing over their exuberant, exotic rugs.

The rugs are an artistic melting pot, compiling influences brought from India, Turkey, Persia, Syria, Greece and China. The Gypsies absorbed these separate styles in their travels and incorporated them into their own work.

The fascinating, hand-woven rugs that Diana collects invoke primal passions that harken back to the sparsely populated villages on the border of Greece and Turkey where they were created. With these vibrant artifacts she hopes to communicate the personality and individuality that brought them to life.

De Mar, whose Hollywood apartment is decorated with nearly half a dozen of these familial tapestries, said, "These rugs come from ancient traditions. They are personalized to each family, handed down through the generations. It’s a wonderful reminder that some things do stay the same and you can rely on them to be there for you."

Part of her own lineage originates in the same tribal camps where these rugs are woven. Each December, Diana personally journeys to the primitive villages of her ancestors and establishes an honest relationship with the owner of each rug. Distributing these one-of-a-kind heirlooms throughout Los Angeles excites De Mar’s inner Gypsy, while her main focus, being a singer, supplies an outlet for the troubadour blood in her.

"I want this to be a much more personal experience than is the norm," said the always sincere De Mar. "At first I wanted to keep these things to myself, but I realized it was unfair. I sell them to expand awareness of the beautiful Gypsy culture and spirit."

The personal relationship that Diana shares with both her old-world weavers and modern buyers makes for a truly unique endeavor. The imagination and personality that inspires these rugs also courses through De Mar, and her products weave an interesting history into a rapidly changing present.