DepartmentTextiles-Middle East

Flatweave Carpet (Gelim / Kilim)

NameFlatweave Carpet (Gelim / Kilim)

Artist Artist Not Recorded

CultureKurdish

Datec. 1910

Place madeSanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran, Middle East or West Asia, Asia

Mediumwool, handspun silk

Dimensions56 × 99 1/2 in. (142.2403 × 252.7305 cm)

Credit LineGift of Marvin J. Hand Jr.

Object numberA.2024.2.4

Provenancedonor purchased these textiles from various sources (bazaars, rug dealers, etc.) in the 1970s while living in Iran

DescriptionKolah-farangi layout with a nested central medallion against a white field and framed by corner pieces. Double banded floral border. Possibly includes elements of the rarer, more localized naghsh-e-yahood, the “Jewish design” featuring motifs that resemble snakes. According to Mirabootalebi (2021, 207, 209-210), this pattern indicates “Judaism’s ancient history in Iran’s Kurdish regions.”

Weft-faced slit tapestry weave. Warp: Z spun 2 ply S twist wool. Warp ends finished with beautiful plaiting and braiding, then wrap-tied. Handspun silk knotted pile at center lozenge.