CIRCA: late 1800’s
A large Ersari (Ersari Beshir?) Turkoman torba / tent trapping front panel woven in southern Turkestan (or far northern Afghanistan) during the late 1800’s. Torba’s, or narrow rectangular bags, were used to store all sorts of personal belongings and everyday items and were indispensable in nomadic households as they served as functional storage piece’s in tent interiors. The four symbolic motifs are somewhat elaborate and well drawn and would have had a particular significance to the weaver / tribal group. The colours used (reddish-burgundy, black, off-white and a yellowish-orange) are from natural dyes derived from plants and minerals and have matured beautifully. It has wool warp and weft and is longer than most of this type with the size of the pile area being 189cm x 52cm (with tassels extending another 40cm+/-). This beautiful hand woven torba’s bold design exhibits a cultured complexity and showcases the artistry of the Central Asian Ersari Turkoman weaver with its refined elegance. Very good condition, no repairs or reweaves.