Antique Qashqai Kashkuli horse or camel band from Iran. 93x4 cms

It is not easy to distinguish between those chest covers or bands made for camels and those made for horses or mules. They come in various shapes and with different compositions and a large number of them are a combination of a band with netting and tassels. They were made by the tribes of the Zagros region, particularly the Shahsavan, Kurds, Lors and the Qashqai and the villagers of the Varamin area. The band part is often of extra-weft wrapping and occasionally gelim or pile, but always with the netting and tassels. At the end of the netting, there are sometimes bone or ceramic beads. On examples by the Shahsavan, small pieces of cloth, buttons or other ornaments are sewn to the intersections of the netting.

Some neck bands are plain but others end in a long network of tassels and are often woven in different techniques. The use of the neck band on camels is mainly for holding a bell, which it is attached where the two ends come together. On the other hand, camel side bands, which were used by many Persian tribes, are much longer than those made for mules and donkeys.

This semi-antique Qashqai horse or camel band has been woven with finelly spun wool and cotton. The tassels are a latter adding.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 93×4 cms (excluding tassels)

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1930-40s