There's a long tradition of rug production in Tibet with some pieces woven as early as the 1700's. Rugs from this area have been mostly influenced by those of China and Eastern Turkestan. Traditional designs include folk motifs, checkerboard designs, and tiger motifs. Colors on Tibetan rugs have been associated with their functions. Orange and Gold for religious ceremonies. Maroon rugs are used mainly for floor coverings in monasteries. Tiger skins were prized by people in power and represent badges of authority. Old Tibetan rugs are all wool and are woven with the Tibetan knotting technique which resembles a continuous knotting system - looping around warps forward and backward. After the Chinese control in 1959, many Tibetans fled to neighboring India, Nepal and Bhutan and presently continue the art of weaving in exile.