Vintage Herki Kurdish runner from Iraq. 294x81 cms

A vintage Herki Kurdish runner from Iraq Rug- Full of Character and Charm

This runner has everything I look for in a truly special rug: character, spontaneity, and unmistakable uniqueness. Its unusual motifs and the way they’re arranged—mostly in a horizontal layout—give it a distinctive personality. Five central motifs are set against the main field, with an unusual colour palette. The black areas are woven with goat´s hair, contrasting with the rest of the piece which is woven with sheep´s wool. 

The subtle color shifts in the main field hint at its rural origins and speak to the weaver’s improvisational approach. Finished with kilim ends on both sides, this piece is a beautiful blend of tradition and creativity, perfect for your corridor.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool and goat hair (black areas)

Size: 294×81 cms

Origin: Kurdish Herki, Iraq

Date of weaving: 1970s

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.