Semi-antique Turkman band from Afghanistan. 150x30 cms

Exquisite Turkman Band: Soft Wool and Geometric Design

This Turkman band was woven with incredibly soft and lustrous wool that reflects light beautifully. It features natural dyes that create a rich and harmonious color palette. The design is presented in a striking horizontal arrangement, showcasing a precise stair-like geometric pattern.

The band is in excellent condition, retaining its full, plush pile.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool   

Size: 150×30 cms

Origin: Turkmen tribes, Afghanistan

Date of weaving: 1920-50s

The turkmenare people who speak a language belonging to the southwestern branch of the Turkic languages. The majority live in Turkmenistan and in neighbouring parts of Central Asia and numbered more than 6 million at the beginning of the 21st century. About one-third of the total population lives in Iran, especially in the north, and another 500,000 live in northeastern and northwestern Afghanistan.  These groups are called the Transcaspian Turkmen. Pockets of Turkmen are found in northern Iraq and Syria. Smaller groups live in central Turkey. The territory of the Turkmen is generally arid. They were by tradition a nomadic pastoral people, living in tent villages and raising sheep, goats, horses, camels, asses, and cattle.