Vintage Qashqai suitcase or mafrash from Iran. 44x95x26 cms

The mafrash is a woven bag in the form of a box comprising two paralel long sides joined by a base and two shorter end panels. Once filled with bedding, the top is strapeped across to prevent the contents from falling out.

The mafrash is generally made in three parts. The two long sides and the bottom are woven in one piece. The two end panels are woven separately and then sewn to the larger central piece. Each is fastened by a stitched seam on three sides and afterwards bound with a rope-like overcasting. Some mafrash, like those woven by the Qashqai, are woven with top flaps which overlap each other when tied together.

The largest number of mafrash were woven by Shahsavan tribes. The Qashqai produced fewer and thus much rarer .

This semi-antique suitcase from the Qashqai tribe, or perhaps from the Luri tribe, is somewhat smaller than usual. All natural dyes.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool and leather

Size: 44x95x26 cms (measured the three sides as one long item)

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1960s