CIRCA: early 1900’s
Old Tibetan horse trapping known as a ‘takyeb’ that features a simple flower motif as its central design. Takyeb’s were used for decorating the forehead of a horse, yak or dzo (a cross between a yak and a cow), and often seen on the lead animal/s in a Himalayan pack train (as in the example above). It has all natural dyes and both the warp and weft are wool. The remains of the upper leather ‘tie down’ straps are still attached and as was the common practice it is backed by cloth (which was replaced as needed over the years when worn out from use). It is well worn across the top from years of use ‘on the trail’ but the floral emblem itself still has good pile.