Unusual Large Vintage Qashqai Janamaz – Iran
At first glance, this vintage Qashqai kilim may appear to be a sofreh—a flatweave used for bread-making—but it is, in fact, a janamaz, a Shia prayer kilim. While janamaz pieces are typically small, this one is unusually large, resembling the size of a sofreh.
The kilim features a plain central field, typical of janamaz, with some Persian script woven into the design. One of the most striking elements is the abrash—natural color changes—that give the piece depth and character. A narrow and simple border surrounds the central field, completing this elegant and spiritual textile.
Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool
Size: 177×120 cms
Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran
Date of weaving: 1980s
Janamaz or Shia kilim
It is generally accepted that Shia Muslims, unlike Sunnis, do not use kilims or prayer rugs as they pray directly on the ground, a stone or on a Turbah (or Mohr in Persian).
However, during the last 26 years on my frequent trips to southern Iran, I have repeatedly found that Shia Muslims in southern Iran use a type of small kilim that acts as a Janamaz or prayer kilim. I have acquired some of these tiny kilims directly from the person who used them for prayer and have been confirmed on numerous occasions that this type of kilim is used during prayer.
The small size of these prayer kilims is due to their function of covering the ground only in the area where the faithful will rest their head. The material used is always wool, which, in most cases, is left in its natural undyed colour, representing the earth. It is also significant that many of these kilims have been woven from camel wool in the central field.
Turkic-speaking pastoral nomadic tribal groups began entering central and southern Iran during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Qashqai, as a large tribal unit, dates back at least to the early eighteenth century, when some Turkish(Turki)-speaking tribal groups in the region existed under the name Qashqai.
Qashqai kilims are best known for their boldness and freedom in the way the pattern is drawn. An aesthetically pleasing geometry, the fineness of their wool and their clear, strong colours combine to ensure their reputation as superlative examples.
| Weight | 4.2 kg |
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