Artwork Page for Turkmen Main Carpet

Details / Information for Turkmen Main Carpet

Turkmen Main Carpet

mid-1850s

Turkmenistan, Yomud tribe, 19th century

Medium
Wool, knotted pile, 128-136 symmetrical knots per square inch
Measurements
Overall: 290 x 160 cm (114 3/16 x 63 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of E.B. and Joan C. Long 2010.190
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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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.
A horizontally long woven textile in deep red features rows of repeating diamond motifs containing cream, navy blue, and orange geometric details. A wide border with interlocking cream and red angular patterns frames the central field. On the far left and right, vertical panels display larger, stylized layered crosses. The cloth concludes with frayed threads on both ends, highlighting its intricate woven texture and traditional geometric composition.

Turkmen Main Carpet

mid-1850s

Turkmenistan, Yomud tribe, 19th century

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