What is a wool tekke textile?

A wool tekke textile is a hand-knotted nomadic weaving originating from Turkmen tribes in Central Asia. These items include functional storage bags, tent bands, and wall hangings. Created primarily during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, they utilise natural dyes and dense wool pile to form precise geometric patterns.

How were these bags used originally?

Nomadic families utilised these woven pieces inside traditional yurt structures for organising clothing, blankets, and personal possessions. Storage bags hung along the interior lattice walls or served as pack containers during seasonal migrations. Specialised formats like the engsi acted as threshold coverings, while long tent bands secured the structural framework of the dwelling.

How do I identify different tribal designs?

Tribal attribution relies heavily on the specific shape and arrangement of the repeating gul medallions, such as the characteristic turreted Salor or Aina motifs. Colour palettes, particularly the deep red kizil grounds and ivory accents, also point toward specific regional workshops. Examining the structure, knot count, and border layouts helps separate Tekke work from neighbouring Saryk or nomadic traditions.

How should I care for an antique textile?

Display these wool weavings away from direct sunlight to protect natural dye colours from fading over time. Gentle vacuuming with a mesh screen covering protects the fragile pile and structure from damage. Avoid hanging heavy pieces by isolated points; instead, support the full weight evenly across a proper mounting sleeve or backing support.