This gift is a handwoven rug from Portugal and sits in the formal drawing room or main reception room at the Secretary-General’s residence. Designed and Manufactured in Arraiolos Portugal, this rug is defined as an ‘Arraiolos Rug’: a highly sought-after type of rug that is handwoven using the techniques and design typical to this region.

Arraiolos Rugs first appeared in the late medieval period and took inspiration from Persian rug design. The technique typically involves woolen threads being individually hand-stitched onto a linen canvas to create ornate designs. The production of these rugs is part of what can be described as a cottage-industry in which the creation of the product does not occur in a factory, rather in the homes of the citizens. The manufacturing of these rugs is performed almost exclusively by the women of Arraiolos. 

The rug at the residence is highlighted with floral designs, popular in the traditional making of these rugs. The palette is muted and natural, highlighting soft oranges, yellows and reds in the flowers and accented with silvery-green foliage.

In 1997, the rug was gifted by Portugal to the United Nations for the reception room and Secretary-General Kofi Annan accepted it.  By 2007, the rug showed damage due to the high use of the reception room and, Portuguese officials provided a replacement from the original manufacturers.