£ 1,800.00
874 x 31 cm // 28ft 8" x 1ft
Substantially, nearly all of this antique tent band is preserved although the ends have been removed. It is possible to gauge the original size to be approx ~10m. The side edges have been hemmed back, making it appear narrower. This is perhaps the result of peripheral damage caused when connecting the wall and roof of the yurt to assist in closing the gap and supporting the two parts of the structure. The sides of the tent band have further been conserved by using a compatible supporting brown colour cotton tape, sewn verso.
The design is that seen in panels at the end of Tekke main pile carpets of the period, described as 'elim'. Therefore, this is piece is designated as Tekke rather than what might commonly be imagined as coming from the Yomut tribe. There might be a case for identifying it to a smaller tribe, such as the Eagle group who employ the Dyrnak gul motif. Basically, flat-woven bands present more difficulty with identification given the lack of research.
The silk content is almost certainly lac dye laccifer lacca, which is obtained from South Asia similarly to cochineal from the New World. The presence of lac dye silk signals the degree of prestige conferred as does the use of cotton to enhance the white colour.
• 19th C
Ref. 18389
