Vintage Kurdish Herki runner kilim from Iraq. 340x95 cms

Vintage Kurdish Herki Runner Kilim from Iraq- a bit of sunshine for your long corridor

This long vintage kilim runner was handwoven by the Herki people of Iraq. It features a classic design of concentric lozenges running through the center and a vibrant mix of colours including pink, lilac, and orange.

Natural colour variations known as abrash add depth throughout the piece, especially noticeable in the outer border.

The kilim is woven with sheep’s wool, with the black areas made from goat’s hair for added contrast in texture. A very thick and sturdy runner, perfect for heavy traffic areas. 

A cheerful and unique runner—ideal for bringing warmth and colour to any hallway or corridor.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool and goat hair for the black areas

Size: 340×95 cms

Origin: Kurdish Herki, Iraq

Date of weaving: 1960s

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.