Turkmen Rug Fragment (elem fragment)
Central Asia
18th or 19th Century
121.9 x 38.1 cm (48 x 15 in)
Wool pile
Harold M. Keshishian Collection
Although the everyday covering for the floor of a tent was made of felt, every family had one or more large rugs available for special occasions or for guests. This mysterious fragment is part of the end-panel of such a carpet, which appears to be of considerable age. An interesting detail is the “combamulet” woven into the design in the lower left corner, for the protection of people sitting on the carpet.
