Antique Tekke Main Carpet 6'1 x 8'2

Collector's Notes

This early antique Tekke Main Carpet or rug was woven in the second half of the 19th Century in Turkmenistan. Features madder red field that displays 4x10 arrangement of large rounded Tekke guls and secondary Gurbaghe guls connected by a fine indigo blue line. Alternating multi-colored octagonal cruciform star main border motifs sit between chevron styled bars. Beautiful floor rug.

Large rectangular carpets such as this one are of the most important and expensive weavings created by the Turkmen nomadic tribes from Turkestan/Turkmenistan in Central Asia. These masterful weavings are considered and referred to as Tekke "main carpets" because they were used by the Turkmen tribes as the primary floor covering inside their tents. They were intricately and expertly decorated with the 'main gul' element used as a symbol of importance distinguishing each tribe. The skill of the Tekke weave can be seen in the meticulously intricate design of this piece.

Age: Circa 1850-1890
Origin: Turkmenistan
Style: Turkmen, Tekke
Dimensions: 6'1" x 8'2"
Condition: Very good considering age. Even wear to pile. Two small repaired slits.
Color Palette:6 colors including madder red, green, ivory, apricot
Composition: 100% wool
 

One of a kind antique rug, handwoven and handknotted.

Carefully cleaned by hand using our proprietary technique with organic and natural supplies.