What is a tekke carpet?

A tekke carpet is a knotted pile textile made by the Tekke tribe of Turkmen people in Central Asia. They are recognised by their orderly rows of octagonal guls and rich red colourways. These pieces served functional and ceremonial roles within nomadic life, including domestic flooring and dowry furnishing.

How old are these carpets?

Most antique examples available date from the mid-nineteenth century up to the early twentieth century. Pieces from the 1850s to 1880s generally display traditional natural dye palettes. Later pieces extending into the 1920s reflect changing production methods and export demands.

Dowry rugs were smaller textiles woven by women as part of their marriage possessions. They often feature particularly careful knotting and scarce secondary gul designs. Collectors prize these smaller formats for their intimate scale and concentrated artistry.

How do I care for an antique rug?

Protect wool pile carpets by placing them out of direct sunlight to prevent natural dye fading. Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar removes trapped dust effectively. Professional textile conservation cleaning should be used for maintenance rather than standard domestic washing.