Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1880s.
The back is woven in horizontal bands of chevrons which, according to an elderly woman when I spent time with the Afshars, told me the chevron symbolically represented migrating birds. As birds migrate, so do the nomads, and rock salt, which was kept in these namakdans, was given to the pack animals to help in the de-hydration process.
I love the charm of this salt-bag - a rare and collectable weaving.
Size: 64cm x 46cm (2' 1" x 1' 6").
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1880s.
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