This compact accent rug exemplifies the charm of village weavings from the early twentieth century. Handwoven using a lofty wool in its undyed, natural state, this Turkmen rug provides both authentic tribal aesthetics and a cushioning presence underfoot.
The Overlooked Treasures of Turkmen Weaving
A cream ground contrasts with bold, chocolate-brown motifs drawn with clarity and balance. The motif is ambiguous, however, leaving room for interpretative speculation over the weaver's intended message.
At the rug’s center is a star made up of stepped trapezoids. This is emblazoned with a central cross and flanked in each corner by an abstract totem. On their own, these features are common motifs of village and tribal weaving among Turkic peoples in the early decades of the twentieth century. However, in their totality, they resemble closely a dragon motif that was commonly used in the Caucasus (e.g., Azerbaijan and Armenia).
This rug is unusual in its format too. It was woven by ethnic Turkmen in south-central Turkey’s Taurus Mountains, near Karapinar. In the first half of the last century, Turkmen tribes inhabiting southern Turkey produced high-quality village weavings of idiosyncratic dimensions and motifs. Most notably, these include deep-pile shaggy carpets known in the Turkish language as tülü (lit. “hairy”). In color, format, and material, they contrast markedly with the better-known output of other Turkmen weavers, particularly the deep-red pile carpets produced by a variety of Turkmen tribes across Central Asia.
Tülü rugs are a mainstay of village weaving in the Konya area. Like the gabbeh rugs made by Persian weavers, they are deep and plush, offering softness and warmth. In contrast with contemporaneous workshop carpets, the pile of a tülü is thick and springy.
Condition and Use
The rug is in excellent semi-antique condition. Its fringe, visible on one end, is fully in-tact. The undyed wool retains density and springiness.
Due to the rug’s format, it may shed loose fibers during initial use. This is expected, and will subside over time. A rug pad is recommended to hold it in place underfoot.
