Tekke hearth rug,

Turkmenistan,

around 1920,

wool on wool,

approx. 130 x 107 cm

 

A fine, small rug made by the Tekke Turkmen tribe who lived in and around the city of Merv in Turkmenistan. The Tekke are one of the six main Turkmen tribes. The rugs are used for sitting (around a fire or while eating) and feature the Tekke tribal identifier motif Tekke gül (octagonal motif) and a classic Tekke Turkmen design called the chemche gül, which is placed between the Tekke güls. Tekke rugs are woven using the senneh knotting technique and feature a dark blue selvedge. This rug is in very good condition for its age. This rug is very finely woven with an even low pile. It is a very good example of it’s type and hearth rugs are relatively rare. Being a small size they can be used in a variety of places.