Mottled Cream Square Tribal Çekme, Turkey (c. 1940)

This tribal rug provides a lofty and attractive wool cushion underfoot. Hand-made by Turkmen weavers in south-central Turkey during the first half of the twentieth century, it is an outstanding example of tribal craftsmanship and the beauty of high quality wool in its undyed, natural state. 

A Tribal Weaving both Exceptional and Unusual

The rug exemplifies the often-overlooked diversity and inventiveness of tribal weaving and antique textiles arts.

'Cookies and Cream' Field

The rug is naturally mottled in color. Its open field design is predominantly warm off-white, with a ‘cookies and cream’ effect in areas where light brown and gray yarns are grouped.

This family of weavings—the çekme (CHECK-may)—is little known, even among assiduous rug collectors. The çekme is distinguished by its looped surface. In most examples of such rugs, the pile is modest, and individual loops lie flat against the rug's face. This piece is crafted differently. Its wool pile is dense and tightly coiled, providing a springlike buoyancy underfoot.

The rug’s square format is equally unusual. While many çekme rugs are woven in rectangular formats of accent rug size, this piece is made of three narrow panels sewn tightly together using wool thread. The result is a versatile square area rug

Condition and Use

This rug is in excellent condition, with no noted conversation flaws. Several small areas of discoloration are visible on the backside of the foundation. These are not visible on the rug's pile face.

This rug is not recommended for use in a high-traffic area, but it will withstand normal floor use. Some shedding and breakage of loops can be expected if used in areas with heavy footfalls. A rug pad is recommended for additional protection and to anchor the piece in place, particularly on hard-surface floors.