This vintage salt bag was woven by the Afshar people during the second quarter of the 20th century.
It features a soumak woven face with a satisfying repeat field pattern of small diamonds and diagonal striped orbs composed of smaller geometric shapes. The pattern is simple yet complex with bright, blues reds and oranges playing off the strong contrast of black and white. It is framed by a border of alternating X's and diamonds reminiscent of the classical egg and dart motif. The neck has a single orb with it's own personal "x" and diamond border. The top is finished with lovely zig-zag, weft wrapped enclosures in contrasting tones. The back has is sparsely decorated with one large and eight smaller evil eyes on a expansive red ground. The flat woven back of the neck has a rendering of geometric shapes flanked by lines of rosettes.
A salt bag or Namakdan is a weaving intended to store and transport rock salt. Both shepherds and nomads carry chunks of salt on long journeys for their animals to lick for nutrients.
In Very Good condition, has a black mark on the back kilim (as pictured). Hard-wearing with a stiff weave.
Size: 1'11" x 2'5" [58cm x 74cm]
Age: Q2 20th Century (1925-1950)
Type of Rug: Salt Bag
Material: Wool
Pile Height: Low
Condition: Very Good
TX304
