Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1850s.
The structure, colours and border patterns indicate a north-eastern Persian/north-western Afghanistan origin, close to the Ersary Turkmen lands and possibly with some influence from this tribe. The archetypal 'gul' within the prayer niche is also peculiar to this group, again, indicating a link with their Turkmen neighbours.
A similar example is illustrated on page 111 in my third edition 'Tribal Rugs - Treasures of the Black Tent', and I quote, "it is quite possible with this type, we are looking at the oldest and perhaps even the prototype, of the camel-hair Baluch prayer-rugs".
Size: 1.48m x 0.77m (4' 10" x 2' 6").
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1850s.
Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets Profile Page
Antique Prayer-Rug, Baluch Tribes, North-West Afghanistan.
