Semi-antique Qashqai moj or jajim kilim from Iran. 193x148 cms

A very finelly woven qashqai moj or jajim, woven entirely with natural dyes. As can be seen the weaver had access only to a small loom and therefore she had to weave two different pieces, join them skilfully at the centre to achieve the desired width. To join the two parts she used a colourful stitching so rather than hidding it, she highlighted the fact that there is a two part piece. 

The design is carried by the warp, rather than by the weft as is normally the case in flatweaves. The design is formed by squares resembling a traditional tartan, and to break the symetry of the squares, the weaver introduced some knotted motifs creating a zig zag motif, that add an informal and playful touch to the piece. 

The kilim displayed here is a moj, also known as jajim, a distinctive type of kilim woven by various tribes, including the Qashqai. Traditionally, moj were used to cover stacks of carpets and kilims in nomadic tents, though today they are often laid on the ground as another decorative kilim. 

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 193×148 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1940s

Turkic-speaking pastoral nomadic tribal groups began entering central and southern Iran during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Qashqai, as a large tribal unit, dates back at least to the early eighteenth century, when some Turkish(Turki)-speaking tribal groups in the region existed under the name Qashqai.

Qashqai kilims are best known for their boldness and freedom in the way the pattern is drawn. An aesthetically pleasing geometry, the fineness of their wool and their clear, strong colours combine to ensure their reputation as superlative examples.