Antique Azerbaijan/ Shahsavan Cargo Bag or Mafrash, Bedding Bags, Soumak Kilim

Description

Measures: Top: 1'8" x 3', Side: 18" x 21" front and the back 18" x 21"
Azerbaijan cargo bag or … more Measures: Top: 1'8" x 3', Side: 18" x 21" front and the back 18" x 21"
Azerbaijan cargo bag or Mafrash - bedding bags, the front, back and side panels woven in horizontal bands, the center of repeating blue, red and ivory hooked octagonal, within two geometric motif secondary borders. Mafrash have been made in the largest numbers by Shahsevan tribal people and other groups in NW Persia and across the border in Azerbaijan. Others were made in Georgia and Armenia. A majority are intricately woven soumak; others are slit-tapestry, sometimes with narrow contrasting soumak bands. Bags have been made by nomads for storage of bedding in their tents, and for use as cargo bags. They were normally made in pairs which could be balanced over the backs of camels on migration. In the marketplace, Mafrash were woven in three parts, and then assembled. less