Central Asia, Saryk tribe, ca. early 19th century CE. A very long tent band, made of hand-knotted wool pile in russet red, navy and cornflower blue, and cream, on a woven blonde hued background. The iconography features abstract imagery inspired by flora and fauna - very stylized with an emphasis on geometry, angularity, and symmetry - as well as two panels that include rows of anthropomorphic miniature figures. The entire pattern is set within a zigzag border. Bands with a white-ground like this example are called “ak yup” by the Turkmen and were traditionally reserved for special occasions like weddings, when one would be wound around the outside of the couple's tent. Size: 129" L x 10.5" W (327.7 cm x 26.7 cm)

Woven tent bands are crucial components of trellis tents, which the nomads who have lived in the region for 1500 years use as their homes. Bands wrap around the lower part of the wooden roof struts, providing the tension necessary to brace the roof dome and support the tent as strong winds roar across the steppes. This example, however, was not necessarily relied upon for this utilitarian purpose, but was instead ceremonial and decorative. These bands were made by Turkmen women, woven in one piece on a narrow, horizontal loom placed on the ground outside the tent. A single band could take up to three years to complete. In complete form, the abstract iconography of these bands often tell a story.

Provenance: private Millburn, New Jersey, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#132214

A few sections with loose and missing fibers. Some staining and old repairs with newer yarns woven and visible seams. End panels show slightly lighter hues suggesting these panels were created later.