Antique Ersari Aqcha Turkoman rug from Afghanistan. 330x261 cms

Ersari (Turkmen: Ärsary, where Er – brave man, master; sari – light, bright, yellow) are one of the major tribes of the Turkmen people of Central Asia and one of the five major tribes of the country of Turkmenistan. They live mainly in Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Regarding their rugs and contrary to the custom of the other Turkmen, the Ersaris have no proper gul, or specific tribal motif.

Ersari carpets make more use of yellow than do rugs made by other tribes, and often, in backgrounds, two shades of blue blend or are merged with dark brown in a characteristic fashion.

This antique Turkman Ersari Aqcha elegant rug from the north of Afghanistan is woven with only two rows of vertical güles, as the multitude of borders leaves a limited space in the central field. Very finely woven rug, in perfect condition and with a dense pile. It is finished of with two kilim ends.  All dyes are natural. Such a square size is hard to find on antique rugs.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool   

Size: 330×261 cms

Origin: Ersari tribes from Afghanistan

Date of weaving: 1940s