Face of Half a Double Saddle Bag (Khorjin)

Unknown

ca. 1825–75 · Wool (warp, ground weft, and sumak weft); sumak extra-weft wrapping with two-color chaining · Islamic Art

The central diamond design on this double saddlebag is common in sumak weavings from the Shahsevan tribe, and the border motif, an ancient tribal symbol, is characteristic of weavings by tribal members in the Khamseh region (south of the Caspian Sea). Sometimes referenced as the "two-headed bird," because of the suggestion of heads with eyes facing opposite directions, the border pattern was reproduced with many variations. Here, the repeating motif features mini crosses for the eyes. A more elaborate cross motif decorates the central lozenge.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1825–75

Medium

Wool (warp, ground weft, and sumak weft); sumak extra-weft wrapping with two-color chaining

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

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