Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1870s.
The 4-panels created by the cross also represented the 4 gardens of paradise - the engsi representing the gateway to paradise. On leaving the earthly world, the spirit enters paradise through the 'elem' or panel at the base of the rug and enters one of the 4-gardens where the spirit is secure from all harm.
This engsi was made by the Ersari Turkmen around 1870 and has a wonderful palette of vegetable colour. I particularly like, in the upper left-hand panel, the two small symbols forcing their way into the design with another seen in the top right corner of the right-hand panel. I suspect the weaver had a reason for doing this - something we will never know - lost in the passage of time!
Size: 1.80m x 1.43m (6' 0" x 4' 8").
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1870s.
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 Turkmen Engsi, Ersari Tribes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia
