Antique Turkmen Torba, Teke Tribes, Sumbar-Atrek Oasis, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.
Price
SOLDItem Ref
BM/MA7
Description
This rare and magnificent torba - small storage-bag - was made by Teke tribes in the Sumbar-Atrek Oasis of southern Turkmenistan during the late 18th/early 19th century.The overall red-brown ground colour was used prior to the mid 19th century and the torba consists of 12 Teke guls or tribal crests. Within each alternate gul (see detail) the weaver has inserted magenta-silk knots which have corroded significantly over the past two hundred years but are still visible. There are also tiny highlights of magenta-silk within each gul but you would need to look very closely. This was obviously a highly important weaving, possibly dowry work by a young, experienced Teke woman, and was likely kept in a dowry chest to have survived this length of time in generally very good condition. With the deafeat of the Teke at Merv in circa 1870-1880 by the Russians, it is quite possible that pieces like this were plundered and taken back into Russia and from there, eventually arriving westwards throught trade!
Looking closely at this early gul, see the depiction of stylised birds-heads right and left, possibly eagles, with their pronged feathers, a sign of early Teke work. In very good condition, I have illustrated a few minor areas of slight wear which I feel should remain as is, but restoration is certainly feasible.
This torba is an important reminder of the incredibly fine knotting done by Turkmen tribes such as the Teke, during the 17th to 19th centuries.
Size: 1.20m x 0.40m (3' 11" x 1' 4").
Viewing by appointment only.
Internal Ref: BM/MA7
Dimensions
Height = 40 cm (16")Width = 120 cm (47")
Depth = 0 cm (0")
This item is SOLD and is no longer available to purchase.
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