Spindle Bag

Unknown

ca. 1935 · Wool (warp, sumak weft, pile, and tassels), cotton (ground weft and tassels), goat(?) hair (side finishes and tassels), metal rings, braided strap, and faience beads (tassels); weft-faced plain weave with pattern in sumak extra-weft wrapping (front and back); symmetrically knotted pile (bottom edge) · Islamic Art

This bag was designed to hold wooden spindles. Symmetrically knotted pile across the bottom provides additional support in the area subject to the most wear. Characteristic of Bakhtiari works is the weft-faced plain-weave ground in white cotton and animal hair, used for added strength. With the blue faience beads, the tassels served to protect the owner from the "evil eye," or malign spirits.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1935

Medium

Wool (warp, sumak weft, pile, and tassels), cotton (ground weft and tassels), goat(?) hair (side finishes and tassels), metal rings, braided strap, and faience beads (tassels); weft-faced plain weave with pattern in sumak extra-weft wrapping (front and back); symmetrically knotted pile (bottom edge)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Inger G. and William B. Ginsberg, 2015