Aug 4, 2014
Aug 4, 2014
Aug 4, 2014
Aug 4, 2014

Turkmen Main Carpet

Turkmen Main Carpet

mid-1850s

Wool, knotted pile, 128-136 symmetrical knots per square inch

Overall: 290 x 160 cm (114 3/16 x 63 in.)

Gift of E.B. and Joan C. Long 2010.190

Location

Description

In the Islamic world, carpets symbolize status and wealth. A carpet’s origin can be identified by its design, color, and technique. Shades of red and lobed motifs, or guls, are hallmarks of Turkmen carpets woven by nomadic tribes across northeast Iran, Afghanistan, and central Asia. This main carpet of the Yomud tribe features beautiful colors in the guls on a rich aubergine ground; the decorated skirts, or elem, with stylized flora at each end, are its rarest feature. This carpet would have been the prized possession within the living quarters of a round tent, or yurt.

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