second half 19th century, 102 x 188 cm, Central Asia, middle Amu Darya valley

This very large Beshir chuval displays a mina khani field design and a border of rosettes and forked leaves that is typical for the provenance. The elem design of small hooked diamonds is rare. Bags in this format were not woven by any other Turkmen tribe. Beshir chuvals were probably not used in tents, but in the houses of the winter quarters.

Slight signs of age and wear, the elem is reduced and damaged at the lower end. The original finishes survive at the sides and upper end. No kilim back.

MACKIE, LOUISE & THOMPSON, JON, Turkmen. Tribal Carpets and Traditions. Washington 1980, no. 89