Early Arabatchi Ensi
143 x 128 cm (4' 8" x 4' 2")
Turkmenistan, first half 19th century
Condition: good according to age, low pile in places, several small restored creases, several small repairs, lower right corner slightly incomplete, signs of use
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool

There are fewer than two dozen Arabatchi ensis known, and these have always been considered early, woven no later than the first half of the 19th century. And within this rare and exclusive group this example can be considered one of the best.
The ensi of the Arabatchi Turkmen tribe represent one of the few types of ensi that do not have their central field divided into quartered panels with a single niche.
This example has the comb-like flower field pattern organised diagonally, another rare feature. The brightness of its colours is exceptional, as traditionally many weavings from this tribe tend to be darker in tone, and therefore the dramatic chromatic effect of the variations between the greens, blues, madder and cochineal-dyed reds does not achieve the degree of contrast with the white highlights that can be seen here.
The fine weave and density of knotting is also ideally judged here in the generous height of the design elements which can be seen in the additional band of ashik patterns below the single prayer arch; these elements are often flat and elongated along the horizontal in other Arabatchi ensis. Of particular note are the ends: the top border is complete, which is rare, and the lower border is arguably one of the best depictions of the camel wedding caravan litter seen on any of this group of ensis.