TRIBAL BAGS, ETC. 2.

TRIBAL BAGS and trappings 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.

YAMOUT TURKOMAN TENT BAG FACE. This type of bag is the work of the Jaffarbi or Goklen Yamout groups who inhabit southern Turkmenistan and spill over into northern Persia. The bag is flat woven and has the added intricate designs on the front section. The use of a turquoise shade is typical of the region. The piece is in excellent condition. Reference 2758. Size 69 x 118 cms., or 2ft. 3ins. x 3ft. 10ins. Euros 390.

YAMOUT TURKOMAN TENT BAG FACE. This type of bag is the work of the Jaffarbi or Goklen Yamout groups who inhabit southern Turkmenistan and spill over into northern Persia. The bag is flat woven and has the added intricate designs on the front section. The use of a turquoise shade is typical of the region. The piece is in excellent condition. Reference 2758. Size 69 x 118 cms., or 2ft. 3ins. x 3ft. 10ins. CLOSE UP.

TURKOMAN YAMUT TENT BAG. A really unusual bag face with rich colours. The use of the "drynak" gul as the secondary design is rare. This is more usual to be found in rugs or carpets as the main gul. I have not been able to find a similar main border motif. The end panels have some rows missing and have been secured but there is sufficient left to show the tall rows of trees. Overall the pile is low but there is sufficient to reveal the rich colours. Reference 3522. Size 86 x 140 cms., or 34 x 55 inches. Euros 485.

CLOSE UP shows the rich palettte of colours. Three unusual designs are shown - the Tree elim at the bottom, the rare main side border and the drynak gul at top right.

KURDISH SINGLE TENT BAG. A rare semi-antique example from the Quchan Kurds of north east Persia. They inhabit the land between Meshed and the border with Turkmenistan. The excellent text book "Kordi" by Wilfried Stanzer gives exhaustive information on their rugs, kilim and artifacts. An extremely finely woven example, which was probably a dowry piece and subsequently used to store jewellery, complete with original back. Reference 286. Size 45 x 47cms, 1ft 6ins x 1ft 7ins, Euros 350. Reserved.

KURDISH SINGLE TENT BAG. A rare semi-antique example from the Quchan Kurds of north east Persia. They inhabit the land between Meshed and the border with Turkmenistan. The excellent text book "Kordi" by Wilfried Stanzer gives exhaustive information on their rugs, kilim and artifacts. An extremely finely woven example, which was probably a dowry piece and subsequently used to store jewellery, complete with original back. Reference 286. Size 45 x 47cms, 1ft 6ins x 1ft 7ins. CLOSE UP.

PERSIAN NAZARABAD BAG FACE which dates from the first half of the 20th century. The most easterly of the Lur tribes are around the village of Nazarabad. P.R.J. Ford in his excellent book "Oriental Carpet Design" places this village just south east of Isfahan and says it has a very small output. Variations of trees are often used and colour plate 486 illustrates this. It is in excellent condition and the colours appear to be natural. Reference 2633. Size 36 x 30cms. 1ft.2in. x 1ft. Euros 115.

PERSIAN NAZARABAD BAG FACE which dates from the first half of the 20th century. The most easterly of the Lur tribes are around the village of Nazarabad. P.R.J. Ford in his excellent book "Oriental Carpet Design" places this village just south east of Isfahan. CLOSE UP.

BERBER TENT BAG/PILLOW. Although woven in one long piece before being folded in half and stitched to make a bag or pillow, seldom can two sides have such different designs. The face is intricately embroidered and the use of green pinpoints the origin to a small Berber group in the western Middle Atlas. The reverse side, or back, is a simplistic portrayal of line of trees. The piece is very old but in good condition. Reference 2951. Size 72 x 38 cms., or 28 x 15 ins. Euros 110.

REVERSE SIDE showing simple trees. The extra length of the kilim at the back is most unusual and may have been used as a flap to cover the opening of the bag.

KURDISH TENT BAG which dates from the 1930s. It has the original goat hair overcasting and fastening loops. There are several areas of abrash and the glowing rich colours are consistant with those originating from natural dyes. The piece is in excellent condition. Reference 3162. Size 39 x 42 cms., or 16 x 17 inches. Euros 245.

REVERSE SIDE showing original kilim back and piled lower end which would have protected the bag when used in the tent or hut of the Kurdish owner.

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. This is a very fine and intricate pillow from Zemmour. Reference 3345. Size 51 x 35 cms., or 20 x 14 ins. Euros 175. RESERVED:

REVERSE SIDE showing two small interpretations of the "Evil Eye" which superstition says will keep the real thing away.

BALOUCH / BELOUCH BAG FACE which originates from the Jan Begi sub group in north west Afghanistan. R.D. Parsons, in his book �The Carpets of Afghanistan� records that the Jan Begi live in a group of about 25 villages north of Ghorian and that their weaving is excellent. Bags are often finished with intricate kilim ends, embellished with rows of stylised flowers, as is the case here. Early 20th century and in excellent condition. It will be a valuable contribution to a collection. Reference 294. Size 101 x 54cms, 3ft 4ins x 1ft 10ins, Euros 585. RESERVED.

BALOUCH / BELOUCH BAG FACE which originates from the Jan Begi sub group in north west Afghanistan. R.D. Parsons, in his book �The Carpets of Afghanistan� records that the Jan Begi live in a group of about 25 villages north of Ghorian and that their weaving is excellent. Bags are often finished with intricate kilim ends, embellished with rows of stylised flowers, as is the case here. Early 20th century and in excellent condition. It will be a valuable contribution to a collection. Reference 295. Size 101 x 54cms, 3ft 4ins x 1ft 10ins. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER PART SILK SADDLE BAGS from the western Middle Atlas province of Zemmour. This is an old set of bags which would have been used to carry goods on a donkey or horse. The condition is excellent and the embroidered design sections across the front panels are fine. The white sections are cotton and the bags are adorned with sequins and 22 original tassels, some in coloured silks. Reference 2972. Size 125 x 45 cms., or 50 x 18 ins. CLOSE UP.

MOROCCAN BERBER PART SILK SADDLE BAGS from the western Middle Atlas province of Zemmour. This is an old set of bags which would have been used to carry goods on a donkey or horse. The condition is excellent and the embroidered design sections across the front panels are fine. The white sections are cotton and the bags are adorned with sequins and 22 original tassels, some in coloured silks. Reference 2972. Size 125 x 45 cms., or 50 x 18 ins. Euros 220.

AN AUTHENTIC BALOUCH BAG IN IMPECCABLE CONDITION. This piece has all the extra work which separates the best examples from the ususal freely available more recent bags. The design in the field is finely drawn and has an unusual piled surround. The extensive tassel work is bound at the top with fine black and white wool and most have generous amounts of cowrie shells. Hidden away in the top corner is the obligtory turquoise ceramic bead which protected the previous owner from the evil eye. The original goat hair handle for carrying or hanging the bag is present. A nice find. Reference 3449. Size 41 x 40 cms., or 16 inches square, Euros 80.

BERBER PILLOW from the region of Zeimmour in the western Middle Atlas mountains. This bag or pillow has exceptionally fine work in the design. It is joined on three sides and, as is typical of these pieces, has a narrow opening along one edge to allow material to be pushed in to provide stuffing. An old and perfect piece. Reference 2368. Size 47 x 35 cms., or 19 x 15 ins. Euros 135.

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 Beni mGuild Berbers and has been opened for hand washing. It may now be used as a table cover or rejoined as a pillow/cushion. The white in the design is cotton which discolours less in a smokey atmosphere such as a tent. Reference 3347. Size 63 x 29 when closed. Euros 165.