Second half 19th century , 320 x 148 cm, South West Anatolia

Collection VOK: Anatolia 45

In this large single-panel kilim woven by nomads in the Fethiye region, the whole of the central section is blood-red and undecorated, except for a brocaded golden yellow diamond which draws the eye to the centre of the empty space. The wide “skirts” at both ends are densely patterned. Each shows three horizontal bands containing powerful, interlocked serrated diamonds and smaller hook designs, separated by narrow stripes of brown and white geometric motifs. The design layout makes reference to the use of the kilim as a camel trapping. When the kilim was placed on the camel’s back, very little of the red central section would have been visible. The design of the “skirts”, involving motifs characteristic of the tribe, would have been clearly displayed and assumed a heraldic function. – When the kilim was exhibited by Sailer in 1984, its purpose was probably still unknown, at least there is no indication of it in the catalogue description. In his 1997 discussion Hirsch makes no mention of it either. Böhmer eventually shed light on its original function in 2004 when he published several comparative pieces in “Nomads in Anatolia“. It is of course possible that such pieces were used on other occasions as well, for instance weddings and funerals as mentioned by Hirsch. – Minimal signs of wear, good overall condition, original finishes all around.

PETSOPOULOS, YANNI, Der Kelim. Ein Handbuch. Munich 1980, no. 95 *** ESKENAZI, JOHN J. & VALCARENGHI, DARIO, Kilim anatolici. Antichi tappeti tessuti della Turchia. Milan 1985, no. 70 *** HULL, ALASTAIR & LUCZYC-WYHOWSKA, JOSE, Kilim. The Complete Guide. London 1993, no. 288 *** BÖHMER, HARALD, Nomaden in Anatolien. Begegnungen mit einer ausklingenden Kultur. Ganderkesee 2004, ills. pp. 221, 222 and 224 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, auction of 16th November 1996, # 106

GALERIE SAILER (publ.), Aus der Welt des Kelim. Salzburg 1984, no. 33 *** VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Anatolia. Kilims and other Flatweaves from Anatolia. (Text by Udo Hirsch) Munich 1997, no. 45