U-3274 - Northwest Persian Flatwoven Cover (Jajim)

Probably Kurdish or Shah Savan Tribes-Weft Float wool embroidery on a warp faced undyed cotton ground-This totally authentic nomadic tribal textile was made in seven strips sewn together. Originally a long band was woven on a narrow loom which was then cut up and joined, a common practice among the tribes of northwestern Iran to make a lightweight, colorful, easily portable ground cover. The ivory ground is cotton with dark brown wool divider lines and the wool pattern embroidery is executed in herringbone, simple wrapping and other stitches. There is only a simple weft return at the sides, hemmed over ends and no other finishes. The tonality is generally light, the pattern is open and geometric with a few three or four legged animals, flowers, botehs and small cypresses. These pieces were not made for the market, but for the actual domestic use of the weavers’ families. Our example is in excellent condition with all natural dyes. It is a work of genuine folk art no longer practiced by the now mostly settled tribes.-