Vintage Herki Kurdish runner from Iraq. 423x81 cms

Vintage Herki Kurdish Runner – Rich Red with Tribal Medallions

This striking vintage Herki Kurdish runner hails from Iraq and showcases a deep, vibrant red background. The main field is adorned with seven bold medallions—one uniquely featuring a pair of lozenges and twin stars. Additional medallions accent the edges of the field, set against contrasting dark blue for a dramatic visual effect.

Finished with traditional kilim ends, this long runner combines heritage craftsmanship with bold color, making it a standout piece for any long corridor or space.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool              

Size: 423×81 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.