A rya is a traditional Scandinavian rug. The first ryas originated in the early fifteenth century as coarse, long-piled, heavy covers used by mariners instead of furs. As time progressed, the rugs have evolved to be lighter and more colourful. The insulation ryas provide protection against the cold Scandanavian climate. Ryas are a knotted pile carpet, with each knot composed of three strands of wool. This enables the rug to exhibit rich texture from all the different shades of color. Ryas are similar to knotted Persian rugs, though the rya knots are larger, longer, and further spaced. The name originates from a village in southwest Sweden. The term rya may also refer to a breed of sheep whose wool is used to make rya carpets. History In the early 9th to 10th centuries, Islamic silk textiles were introduced to Scandinavia by Viking merchants who traded in Russia and the Byzantine Empire. Subsequently, the Scandinavian region acquired knot

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