Sumak (also spelled Soumakh, Soumak, Sumac, or Soumac) is a tapestry technique of weaving for rugs and bags, where both decoration and strength are required.  Sumak is a type of flat weave, somewhat resembling but stronger and thicker than Kilim,  with a smooth front face and a ragged back, where kilim is smooth both sides. Sumak lacks the slits characteristic of kilim, as it is usually woven with supplementary weft threads as continuous supports.  Designs use traditional Persian motifs, and colours tend towards the soft and muted.