TRIBAL BAGS, ETC. 1.

TRIBAL BAGS are probably the most unspoiled, genuine, weavings of many tribal and pastoral groups throughout Central Asia and North Africa.

They are woven in many shapes and sizes and fulfill the storage function needed in tents and huts. Small ones are for jewelry and precious personal items, also salt, spices, dried fruits, mirrors and cosmetics. Medium sizes are pillows at night and cushions by day and are also used to store food, tools, clothing and household items. There are even very large sacks for the storage of grain and textiles when not in use. These double as beds for children.

Most bags are woven using only local wools, goat and sometimes camel hair. Embellishments, both superstitious and religious, are frequent. Durable goat hair is used for closing loops and for selvedges.

ANATOLIAN SADDLE BAG A rare semi-antique shepherd's bag from the region of Fetiyhe in south west Turkey. The long opening in the centre allows for the shepherd's head to go through and the bags hang on his front and back. The black and white photo shows a similar piece worn by a rural shepherd. This region in Ottoman Empire times was known as "Megri" but the name was changed around 1920. The intense shades of indigo, madder and mustard yellow are only found in this region and it is therefore probable they are natural dyes and sourced from nearby plants. It is in impeccable condition complete with the original small loops at each corner which allows it to be fastened to the body when worn. Reference 285. Size 131 x 47cms. 4ft. 4ins. x 1ft. 7ins.. Euros 650.

ANATOLIAN SADDLE BAG A rare semi-antique shepherd's bag from the region of Fetiyhe in south west Turkey. The long opening in the centre allows for the shepherd's head to go through and the bags hang on his front and back. The black and white photo shows a similar piece worn by a rural shepherd. This region in Ottoman Empire times was known as "Megri" but the name was changed around 1920. The intense shades of indigo, madder and mustard yellow are only found in this region and it is therefore probable they are natural dyes and sourced from nearby plants. It is in impeccable condition complete with the original small loops at each corner which allows it to be fastened to the body when worn. Reference 285. Size 131 x 47cms. 4ft. 4ins. x 1ft. 7ins. SHEPHERD WITH BAG.

MOROCCAN BERBER PILLOW/CUSHION. Almost every home ranging from grand houses to primitive tents in Morocco have these multi purpose bags which can be used for daytime cushions, night time pillows and also for storage. Practical inexpensive ones may be bought in every bazaar but the best examples are those which are seldom available and were made by Berbers for their own use. Often these were part of a dowry or to be used on cermonial occasions. I constantly search for these because they are becoming more and more scarce. This fine example is from the western Middle Atlas Zemmour Berber group. The white in the design is cotton which discolours less in a smokey atmosphere such as a tent. Reference 3340. Size 47 x 32 cms., or 21 x 13 ins. Euros 115.

REVERSE SIDE with minimal design. The three letters towards to left side are probably the name of the weaver.

BALOUCH / BELOUCH BAG FACES. A rare pair from the region of Firdous which lies in the desert region of Khorrasan in north east Persia. Saddle bags from this Belouch group are particularly rare. The kilim borders with embroidered designs of rows of goats are most unusual. The wools are soft and lustrous. Reference 292A and 292B. Size 71 x 73cms. each. 2ft.4in. x 2ft.5in. There is minor re-piling in the field. Euros 580 the pair.

BALOUCH / BELOUCH BAG FACES. A rare pair from the region of Firdous which lies in the desert region of Khorrasan in north east Persia. Saddle bags from this Belouch group are particularly unusual. Reference 292A and 292B. Size 71 x 73cms. each. 2ft.4in. x 2ft.5in. Euros 580 the pair. CLOSE UP showing row of goats which each bag has in the top kilim border.

MOROCCAN BERBER PILLOW/CUSHION. Almost every home ranging from grand houses to primitive tents in Morocco have these multi purpose bags which can be used for daytime cushions, night time pillows and also for storage. Practical inexpensive ones may be bought in every bazaar but the best examples are those which are seldom available and were made by Berbers for their own use. Often these were part of a dowry or to be used on ceremonial occasions. I constantly search for these because they are becoming more and more scarce. This fine example is from the western Middle Atlas Zemmour Berber group. The white in the design is cotton which discolours less in a smokey atmosphere such as a tent. This is a top example of this type of bag and originates from the Berbers of Zemmour. Reference 3338. Size 66 x 35 cms., or 26 x 14 ins. Euros 175.

CLOSE UP of the intricate designs on the bag face.

KURDISH QUCHAN CHANTEH -- a small bag used to store precious items such as jewelry. It dates from the 1930s and is the work of a Kurdish group in the Quchan region of Kuh-i-Shah Jehan in north east Persia. The use of 10 colours in the design is most unusual. Extensive research by Wilfred Stanzer in his excellent book "Kordi" contains exhaustive and original information, including the dating and origin of this piece. He shows two artifacts, a balisht on page 151 and a salt bag on page 207 with very similar designs and colours. Reference 3297. Size 34 x 33 cms., or 14 x 13 inches. Euros 175.

KURDISH QUCHAN CHANTEH -- a small bag used to store precious items such as jewelry. It dates from the 1920s and is from a Kurdish group east of the town of Esfarayan in north east Persia. The use of 10 colours in the design is most unusual. Extensive research by Wilfred Stanzer in his excellent book "Kordi" contains exhaustive and original information, including the dating and origin of this piece. A similar chanteh is shown as colour plate on page 205. Reference 3296. Size 34 cms., or 13 inches square. Euros 175.

GABBEH TRIBAL BAG probably woven by Lurs. Although the design is more Kurdish in appearance examination of the weave on the reverse, together with the colours, shows that this is a Gabbeh. It dates from the first half of the 20th century and is in excellent condition. Reference 2493. Size 40 x 40 cms, 17 x 17 inches (piled face). Euros 325. RESERVED:

GABBEH TRIBAL BAG probably woven by Lurs. Although the design is more Kurdish in appearance examination of the weave on the reverse, together with the colours, shows that this is a Gabbeh. It dates from the first half of the 20th century and is in excellent condition. Reference 2493. Size 40 x 40 cms, 17 x 17 inches (piled face). Euros 325. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS BAG / PILLOW from the Berber group Ait Sergrouchan in the eastern High Atlas mountains close to the Algerian border. This is a very old piece with fine embroidered design embellished with many metal sequins. Very fine white cotton has been used for emphasis. This work is very little known but there is a piled rug from this tribe which has some elements of these designs and which is shown as Plate 34 in "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus". Reference 2641. Size 66 x 30cms. 2ft.2in. x 1ft. Euros 135.

MOROCCAN BERBER HIGH ATLAS BAG / PILLOW from the Berber group Ait Sergrouchan in the eastern High Atlas mountains close to the Algerian border. This is a very old piece with fine embroidered design embellished with many metal sequins. Very fine white cotton has been used for emphasis. This work is very little known but there is a piled rug from this tribe which has some elements of these designs and which is shown as Plate 34 in "Maroc - Tapis de Tribus". Reference 2641. Size 66 x 30cms. 2ft.2in. x 1ft. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER MIDDLE ATLAS SADDLE BAG which is a very rare example from the Berber tribe Beni M'guild. The deep purple used for the foundation kilim and which is plied together with deep indigo for the original fastening ropes is often used in the tribe's piled carpets. The bag faces are embellished with multi-coloured woollen decorations and the same wools have been used for the extensive tassel work. A spontaneous and unique tribal artifact. Reference 2642. Size 100 x 37cms. 3ft.3in. x 1ft.3in. without tassels. Euros 345.

MOROCCAN BERBER MIDDLE ATLAS SADDLE BAG which is a very rare example from the Berber tribe Beni M'guild. The deep purple used for the foundation kilim and which is plied together with deep indigo for the original fastening ropes is often used in the tribe's piled carpets. The bag faces are embellished with multi-coloured woollen decorations and the same wools have been used for the extensive tassel work. A spontaneous and unique tribal artifact. Reference 2642. Size 100 x 37cms. 3ft.3in. x 1ft.3in. without tassels. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER PILLOW/CUSHION. Almost every home ranging from grand houses to primitive tents in Morocco have these multi purpose bags which can be used for daytime cushions, night time pillows and also for storage. Practical inexpensive ones may be bought in every bazaar but the best examples are those which are seldom available and were made by Berbers for their own use. Often these were part of a dowry or to be used on cermonial occasions. I constantly search for these because they are becoming more and more scarce. This fine example is from the western Middle Atlas Ait Youssi Berber group. The white in the design is cotton which discolours less in a smokey atmosphere such as a tent. Reference 3336. Size 63 x 38 cms., or 25 x 15 ins. Euros 168. RESERVED:

REVERSE SIDE showing intricate bands of designs along the whole width.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER PILLOW woven by a small Berber group called Beni Mtir. The front design is most unusual, as is the back which is of flat woven kilim with three embroidered stylized trees. Ref. 2228. Size 76 x 36cms, 2ft 6ins x 1ft 2ins, Euros 168.

MOROCCAN MIDDLE ATLAS BERBER PILLOW woven by a small Berber group called Beni Mtir. The front design is most unusual, as is the back which is of flat woven kilim with three embroidered stylized trees. Ref. 2228. Size 76 x 36cms, 2ft 6ins x 1ft 2ins. REVERSE.

BELOUCH / BALUCH STORAGE BAG. A very old and rare example from the Belouch / Baluch group who live in the Pakistan province of Baluchistan which joins southern Afghanistan. The top consists of a lattice weave of goat hair which, when opened, is used for the storage of small items, such as plates or cups. When the owners travel the netting is fastened at the top. The tassels are of wool and are adorned with cowrie shells and beads which simulate flowers. The embroidery is exceptional and the vibrant colours are in silk. There is a similar example in �Textiles of Baluchistan� by M.G. Konieczny on page 73, plate 46. He attributes it to the region of Chagai. Reference 2318. Size 52 x 16cms. 1ft.9in x 6ins. Euros 320.

BELOUCH / BALUCH STORAGE BAG. A very old and rare example from the Belouch / Baluch group who live in the Pakistan province of Baluchistan which joins southern Afghanistan. The top consists of a lattice weave of goat hair which, when opened, is used for the storage of small items, such as plates or cups. When the owners travel the netting is fastened at the top. The tassels are of wool and are adorned with cowrie shells and beads which simulate flowers. The embroidery is exceptional and the vibrant colours are in silk. There is a similar example in �Textiles of Baluchistan� by M.G. Konieczny on page 73, plate 46. He attributes it to the region of Chagai. Reference 2318. Size 52 x 16cms. 1ft.9in x 6in. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER MIDDLE ATLAS SADDLE BAG which is of exceptional fineness and was probably woven as a dowry piece. It has a plain, fine kilim background upon which design has been embroidered and many sequins added. Some silk tassels remain in the centre panel. There is a similar piece attributed to the early to mid 20th century from the region of Zaine in the Middle Atlas which is colour plate 58 in "Arts and Crafts of Morocco". Reference 2550. Size 84 x 34cms. 2ft.9in. x 1ft.2in. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER MIDDLE ATLAS SADDLE BAG which is of exceptional fineness and was probably woven as a dowry piece. It has a plain, fine kilim background upon which design has been embroidered and many sequins added. Some silk tassels remain in the centre panels.There is a similar piece attributed to the early to mid 20th century from the region of Zaine in the Middle Atlas which is colour plate 58 in "Arts and Crafts of Morocco". Reference 2550. Size 84 x 34cms. 2ft.9in. x 1ft.2in. Euros 125. RESERVED.

I checked every single one of the bags and trappings brought by this man to the Monday morning market, but could not find anything really great.

Monday morning rug market in the Middle Atlas. Rugs have been gathered in the villages for the past week and now the negotiations begin. I work here frequently.