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Antique Turkmen Chuval, Abdal Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.
Sold by Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
sold SA1179122
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2011
Browse dealers 113 items
  • About Us
    Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.
Id #SA1179122
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Antique Turkmen Chuval, Abdal Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.

19th century
Sold 20 January 2026 · Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
This “Antique Turkmen Chuval, Abdal Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia” found a buyer.

It was listed by Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A most attractive chuval (storage-bag) made by Abdal Turkmen circa 1860-1870.

The deep, brick-red ground consists of nine Abdal guls (tribal crests), nicely spaced throughout. Particularly attractive and interesting is the 'elem' (lower-skirt) with what appears to be zoomorphic symbols randomly placed. Symbolically, it is believed that the elem represents the earthly world and the field within the borders being the world of the spirit.

Originally made as a pair, this chuval once had a flat-woven back and was used for transporting large items within the tribe, such as bedding, pots and pans etc. During migrations, they were hung on either flank of the camel.

Overall in complete condition, there are signs of minor wear in the field and thus priced accordingly.

Size: 1.20m x 0.74m (3' 11" x 2' 5").

Physical Dimensions
Height
74cm (29.13")
Width
120cm (47.24")
Declaration

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this Antique Turkmen Chuval to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1179122
Dealers Internal Reference
BM/MAX5
Dealers Notes

Viewing by appointment only.

Description
A most attractive chuval (storage-bag) made by Abdal Turkmen circa 1860-1870.

The deep, brick-red ground consists of nine Abdal guls (tribal crests), nicely spaced throughout.

“
Particularly attractive and interesting is the 'elem' (lower-skirt) with what appears to be zoomorphic symbols randomly placed.
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

Symbolically, it is believed that the elem represents the earthly world and the field within the borders being the world of the spirit.

fig 1. An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends.
fig 1. Antique Turkmen Chuval, Abdal Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.

Originally made as a pair, this chuval once had a flat-woven back and was used for transporting large items within the tribe, such as bedding, pots and pans etc. During migrations, they were hung on either flank of the camel.

Overall in complete condition, there are signs of minor wear in the field and thus priced accordingly.

Size: 1.20m x 0.74m (3' 11" x 2' 5").

Height
74cm (29.13")
Width
120cm (47.24")
Date of Manufacture

Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this Antique Turkmen Chuval to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1179122
Dealers Internal Ref
BM/MAX5
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2011

Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets Profile Page

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An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 8
Archive I An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Turkmen Chuval, Abdal Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.

Archive II An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View II
Archive III An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View III
Archive IV An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View IV
Archive V An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View V
Archive VI An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View VI
Archive VII An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View VII
Archive VIII An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Location
North Cotswolds
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/rugmac
Verified Since Oct 2011
Items For Sale 113
Items Sold 1,073
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets
Verified Since Oct 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: North Cotswolds , Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2011
For Sale
113
Sold
1,073
An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends.
Antique Turkmen Chuval, Abdal Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.
Ref: SA1179122
An antique red Turkmen chuval featuring geometric guls and a flat-woven elem panel with fringe at both ends.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectRugs and Carpets
  • Period19th century
  • StyleTribal Nomadic
  • MaterialWool, Cotton
  • ColourCrimson Red
  • MotifsGuls geometric medallions, Border guard patterns, Unknotted elem panel
  • SizeH 74 cm (29 in) x W 120 cm (47 in)

A chuval is a large, flat-woven or knotted bag traditionally produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic Turkmen tribes in Central Asia. They were primarily utilised inside yurts for storing household goods, bedding, and provisions.

Authentic pieces are typically hand-knotted using locally sourced sheeps wool for the pile, warp, and weft, often combined with cotton or animal hair highlights. Dyes were historically derived from natural plant and insect sources, producing deep reds, indigos, and ivories.

Authenticity is assessed by examining the handle and suppleness of the wool, the structural characteristics of the knots and selvages, and the natural abrash or tonal variations in the vegetable dyes. Tribal pieces also feature distinct guls, which are clan-specific geometric motifs.

These textiles can be displayed as small floor accent pieces in low-traffic areas or mounted on walls as textile art to preserve their structural integrity. Their rich coloration and geometric patterns complement both minimalist contemporary spaces and eclectic rustic interiors.

Preservation requires keeping the textile out of direct sunlight to prevent dye fading and vacuuming gently on low suction without a beater bar. Professional textile cleaning should be undertaken periodically to remove embedded dust and protect the wool fibres.
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