Vintage Herki Kurdish runner from Iraq. 322x91 cms

Enhance your home with this vintage Herki Kurdish runner from Iraq, featuring a vibrant color palette of purple, pink, and orange. Set against a rich purple background, the design includes four interlocked medallions.

The main field showcases paired motifs, such as two triangles, two plants, and two camels, contributing to its unique character. A lovely speckled effect is created by alternating different colored yarns, adding depth to the overall design.

The ends of the runner are finished with matching kilim terminations, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. This Herki Kurdish runner is a beautiful addition to any space, offering a blend of traditional artistry and modern appeal to your corridor.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool              

Size: 322×91 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.