Semi-antique Qashqai moj o jajim kilim from Iran. 242x156 cms

Semi-Antique Qashqai Moj (Jajim)

This semi-antique Qashqai moj, also known as a jajim, is a type of kilim traditionally woven by various tribes, including the Qashqai.

Originally, moj were used to cover stacks of carpets and kilims inside nomadic tents. Today, they are also appreciated as standalone kilims, perfect for use on the floor.

This example stands out for its soft range of colors, achieved with natural dyes and the fineness of the weave. Unlike conventional kilims, where the weft provides most of the color, in moj it is the warps that define the overall tone of the piece, as can be clearly seen in the fringes.

This piece was woven in two separate narrow parts and skilfully joined in the middle to achieve the desired width.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 242×156 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1960s

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.