Antique Turkmen Ersari Rug

The Ersari are one of the largest of the Turkmen tribes, with weaving communities stretching across Turkmenistan and northern Afghanistan. Their rugs are immediately recognisable by the elephant's foot gul, a large bold octagonal medallion repeated in rows across the field. It is one of the most iconic motifs in all of Central Asian weaving, and the Ersari have made it their own. The palette is distinctly Ersari, deep reds and rich blues anchored by warm earthy browns and yellows that set them apart from other Turkmen tribes. These colours were achieved through natural dyes, madder root for the reds, indigo for the blues, and walnut for the deeper tones. Decades of age have mellowed them into a patina that cannot be manufactured. This rug is hand-knotted from hand-spun wool on a wool foundation. Traditionally, a Turkmen woman's weaving skill was considered a point of pride for the entire family. A bride would weave rugs for her dowry, and the quality of her work reflected not only her own ability but the reputation of her tribe. As an antique piece, this rug has already done its best ageing.