Semi-antique Qashqai mafrash suitcase from Iran. 45x100x30 cms

The mafrash is a woven bag in the form of a box comprising two paralel long sides joined by a base and two shorter end panels. Once filled with bedding, the top is strapeped across to prevent the contents from falling out.

The mafrash is generally made in three parts. The two long sides and the bottom are woven in one piece. The two end panels are woven separately and then sewn to the larger central piece. Each is fastened by a stitched seam on three sides and afterwards bound with a rope-like overcasting. Some mafrash, like those woven by the Qashqai, are woven with top flaps which overlap each other when tied together.

The largest number of mafrash were woven by Shahsavan tribes. The Qashqai produced fewer and thus much rarer .

This semi-antique suitcase from the Luri or Qashqai tribe is slightly smaller than usual for mafrashes. All dyes are natural.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool 

Size: 45x100x30 cms (measured the three sides as one long item)

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1960s