When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Handwoven • All Wool • Raised Brocading • Nomadic Tribal Art
This remarkable antique tribal textile is agenuine handwoven wool flatweave from the cultural region spanningwestern Afghanistan. Measuring an impressive 97 incheslong by 62 inches wide, it is a substantial and visually striking example oftraditional nomadic craftsmanship.
Unlike a conventional pile rug, this piece is acomplex flatwoven textile featuring extensive supplementary brocading, raiseddecorative knot work, and hand-embroidered details. The intricate geometricmotifs are arranged in numerous patterned bands framed by bold tribal borders.Throughout the surface are raised wool embellishments and decorative tuftedknots that create exceptional texture and depth.
The textile was woven in two narrow loom-widthpanels and expertly joined with a central seam, a hallmark of authentic villageand nomadic weaving traditions where loom widths were limited by practicaltransportation requirements.
The deep palette of indigo blue, madder red,brown, cream, and small yellow accents strongly suggests the use of traditionalhand-dyed wool, likely incorporating natural vegetable dyes. The colors havemellowed beautifully with age while retaining remarkable visual impact.
The reverse side is fascinating, denselymatted with dangling yarns that reveal the complexity of the weaving process.Dense supplementary strands, brocading, and decorative structural elementsremain visible, demonstrating the labor-intensive techniques employed by tribalweavers.
Traditional Use: Textiles of this type werecreated in villages to be used as:
• Ceremonial dowry textiles
• Tent furnishings
• Bedding covers
• Tribal storage and display textiles
• Decorative interior tent hangings
• Important household prestige textiles
While exact tribal attribution is unknown, thedesign, colors, structure, and weave are consistent with the tribal traditions of the Afghanistan borderlands.
Pieces like this are impressive displayed aswall art, draped over furniture, or used as an accent floor covering ineclectic, bohemian, rustic, Southwestern, or globally inspired rooms.
Unlike many antique rugs, this textile has a variety of structural anddecorative techniques that reflect the daily life of tribal weavingcommunities. The combination of flatweaving, brocading, raised embellishment,hand-spun wool, and traditional geometric symbolism creates a highly tactile piecewith significant ethnographic appeal.
Wall Hanging Adaptation: A previous owner professionally adapted the textilefor wall display by securely attaching fabric reinforcement and hanging ringsalong one long edge. The installation allows immediate display withoutadditional modification. The rings could be removed if desired.
Condition: In very good antique condition with strong colors throughout.Minimal wear for age and no holes observed. This was well stored. The centerseam remains strong and intact. Raised decorative knots largely intact. This displaysbeautifully and rings are securely attached for hanging on a wall.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of thedescription.
Measures 97 inches long x 62 inches wide.Weighs 14 pounds 8 ounces.
Keyword tags: Tribal Rug, Tribal Textile,Afghan Weaving, Nomadic Art, Flatweave Rug, Kilim Textile, Weaving, Brocaded Textile, Handwoven Wool, Village Weaving, EthnographicArt, Tribal Wall Hanging, Natural Dye Wool,Geometric Rug, Bohemian Decor, Southwest Decor, Folk Art Textile, Tent Hanging,Dowry Textile, Collector Rug, Antique Kilim, Tribal Weaving, Afghan Rug, Handmade Wool Rug, hippie, beach décor, California, eclectic,Southwest
