Antique Oriental Tribal Kilims and Bags |
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| from the collection of Marla Mallett | |
| Fine ethnographic Oriental rugs, kilims
(kelims) and other weavings have been produced by nomads and villagers throughout the
Middle East and Central Asia for centuries. Decorative woven saddlebags, storage
sacks, tent hangings, animal trappings and floor or ground covers have traditionally
enhanced every important aspect of daily life, and are genuine expressions of tribal
culture. The geometric motifs in these antique tribal rugs and weavings evolved directly on the loom. Traditional designs--some religious, talismanic or totemic--were passed from one generation to the next, with each weaver creating subtle variations that reflected her own artistic personality. Among techniques used by the artisans were tapestry,
brocading, soumak, knotting and warp- and weft-substitution weaves. These are
explained briefly on this website's Basic Tribal Weaves page, and are discussed in more detail in Marla's book,
WOVEN STRUCTURES. |
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