Vintage Fethiye kilim from Turkey. 340×191 cms

This vintage kilim from Fethiye is finely woven. The main motif is repeated throughout the central field. It has a single border with the motif called ram’s horns in Turkish, Koc boynuzu, or less commonly used, koc basi, ram’s head. We can say of this motif that, due to its hardness and the virility of which it is a distinctive attribute, it symbolizes masculine power, courage and fertility. It is obviously linked to the domestication of sheep and the pastoral culture that developed in the Near East beginning in the Neolithic.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 340×191 cms

Origin: Fethiye tribes from Turkey

Date of weaving: 1970s

Kilims or Gilims are flatwoven textiles with a woollen weft on a woollen, goat hair or cotton warp. There are many different techniques and designs. The weaver normally works within a tradition of techniques, motifs and designs specific to a particular area or ethnic group. The designs relate to her natural surroundings, protection, fertility and the harmony of family relationships. Each weaver adds something from her own creativity and sense of composition. Kilims are often woven as part of a marriage dowry and can be used to create many different objects like storage bags, horse-blankets, baby carriers, blankets and wall and floor coverings.

This kilim was hand-woven on a simple loom by a village or nomadic weaver for her own use. Probably the weaver used wool from her own sheep. The wool was first cleaned, then hand-carded, hand-spun and finally dyed by hand, often using natural dye materials like roots, nuts, berries, fruits, flowers and plants. Kilims from the last quarter of the twentieth century mostly use synthetic dyes. This kilim would have taken many months to complete.

All our kilims selected in the country of origin and are professionally washed and restored before we import them directly from Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. Natural patina and charming imperfections in design and colour (abrash) are highly valued characteristics of hand-woven kilims.

Fethiye is a city and a district in MuÄŸla Province, in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The current city stands on the ruins of ancient Telmeso, some of which can be seen today, such as the Greek theater next to the main pier. Kilims from the Fethiye region are often woven in a range of colors including blues, reds, browns, greens, oranges and purples.