Semi-antique Herki Kurdish kilim runner from Iraq. 392x90 cms

A cheerful and vibrant semi-antique Herki Kurdish kilim runner, distinguished by its unusually long format. The composition is structured around a series of oversized interlocking medallions, creating a bold and rhythmic visual flow along the length of the piece. The brown and white areas are woven using undyed, natural wool.

This runner is thick, durable, and exceptionally well suited to high-traffic environments such as long hallways, corridors, or kitchens, where both resilience and decorative impact are equally important.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool              

Size: 392×90 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.