Vintage Herki Kurdish runner from Iraq. 330x85 cms

Vintage Herki Kurdish Runner from Iraq with Octagonal Motifs & Kilim Ends

This vintage Herki runner from Iraq features seven beautifully woven octagonal medallions running through the central orange field. Each octagon is filled with intricate lozenge motifs, creating delicate inner structures that play with light and dark contrasts, adding depth and movement to the design.

A unique rectangular motif appears only at the top end of the rug — a mysterious and intriguing detail that invites closer inspection.

Both ends of the runner are finished with traditional woven kilim borders, adding texture and authenticity to this one-of-a-kind piece. A cheerful and fun runner!

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool              

Size: 330×85 cms

Origin: Kurdish Herki, Iraq

Date of weaving: 1970s

Herki, also spelled Harki (Kurdish: Herkî ,ھەرکی‎) is a large tribe in Kurdistan. The largest part of this tribe live in Iraqi Kurdistan and a significant number live in Iranian Kurdistan. They are also found in Northern Kurdistan.

The Herkis lived mostly a nomadic life with their herds; however, this changed a lot after 1920 and the Treaty of Sèvres. The new hand-drawn borders of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey hindered Kurdish tribes to continue their way of life.

In 1989 they counted some 20,000 people, living between Urmia and Rawanduz, one of the largest remaining groups of pastoral herders. On their regular movement they brought salt from Iran to Iraq and carried wheat and barley back to Iran.

The Herkis were a very well-armed tribe and were noted to be good warriors and fierce men. Some of their women would occationally be seen fighting alongside men.