A gul is a major octagonal or geometric medallion repeated across the field of a tribal carpet. Different Turkmen tribes developed their own distinct gul patterns to identify their weaving heritage. On these particular pieces, you will encounter variations such as the kepse gul and the dyrnak gul, which form the primary visual structure of the design.

How were storage bags used?

Bags such as chuvals and torbas were woven by nomadic women to store household goods and bedding inside the traditional yurt. Their patterned faces were displayed outward while mounted on the interior lattice walls. Today, these storage bag faces function primarily as small decorative rugs or wall art within modern interiors.

Are these made with natural dyes?

The materials recorded for these pieces include wool, hand-spun wool, cotton, and natural dyes. These traditional dye sources contribute to the deep, enduring tones seen in nineteenth-century nomadic work. Over decades of age, these vegetable and insect colorants settle into a rich, harmonious palette across the wool pile.