947. an intricate antique Tekke Torba or long storage bag

947. Provenance: Tekke tribe, Turkoman group of tribes, Turkmenistan/Central Asia

Size: 113 x 37 cm

Age: circa 1890

Condition: Very good for high age. The back of the bag is a new addition (backs are commonly missing, hence the term 'bagface') with a zip.

Notes: These tribal animal trappings represent some of the finest of Turkoman weavings. They were often given as dowry gifts to show off the weaving competence and skill of their daughter - such abilities were highly prized by in-laws as they represented earning potential. This torba (storage bag) is such a piece - finely woven and detailed, using finest hand-spun highland wool and natural dyes. The principal ornament is the repeat of the aina-gul, arranged in compartments.