Ceremonial Camel Trapping (asmalyk)
Central Asia, 19th Century,
124.5 x 60.9 cm (49 x 24 in),
Wool pile
Anonymous Loan
Weavings made to decorate the bridal camel are sometimes rectangular but can also be five-sided, as is this example, originally one of a pair. When new, it would have been furnished with hanging ropes and an array of tassels, long since lost. As these items were purely ceremonial, some old examples have survived in remarkable condition, and can be among the most spectacular of Turkmen weavings.
Below – Turkmen Bridal Procession
The white palanquin in the center houses the bride.
Turkmenistan, before 1890
