255. A remarkable antique Tekke Turkoman Ensi

254. Provenance: Tekke Tribe, Turkoman tribal group, Turkmenistan

Age: Circa 1900

Size: 150 x 120cm

Notes: These 'Ensis' were woven as elaborate 'hanging doors' to the Tekke's tribal tents or yurts. It is not clear why they all have this cruciform design though it is possible that it was picked up from the Christian crosses of Imperial Russia. This rug is very finely woven, using soft and glossy hand-spun wool dyed with only natural dyes.

Price: $1395