CIRCA: 1920’s
A three paneled black tsuktruk with a Dzeepa* as the sole central motif, and mountains and clouds (or waves and spray?) set across the bottom. These blanket-like rugs are not as thickly woven as Tibetan khadens, and use a completely different technique for their construction. That is they are first made as long narrow individual strips – woven in the the ‘planted-pile-technique’ – and then the strips, in this case three, are sewn together to make the final piece. They are usually soft and subtle, this one very much so, and were often used as blankets. As the Dzeepa is said to ward off evil, this piece could be seen as a ‘protective’ covering. The main field of this tsuktruk is of hand-spun undyed black wool, any white in the design is undyed white wool, and the rest of the colours appear to be made from natural dyes as well and the warp is cotton while the weft is wool. There are no damages or repairs. A striking piece with a real presence, ideal for displaying on a wall or as a ‘quilt’ on a bed.
*Dzeepa’s are ancient mythological creatures used to keep evil spirits at bay, and their likeness is very common in several countries throughout Asia, although going by various names and assorted spellings; for instance to the Newars of Nepal he is Chepu / Cheppu, in Tibet known as Dzeepa / Dzeepa / Zeepa / Dzeepak, and in India as Kirtimukha.