North-west Persian mafrash side panel, Shahsavan tribes

 
North-west Persian mafrash side panel, Shahsavan tribes
 
Material and method: Brown wool warps; sumak technique (extra-weft wrapping) in wool; cotton ground wefts
 
Dimensions: 96 x 46 cm
 
Age: Probably late 19th century
 
Condition: Good with some minor edge losses and a small hole. Corrosion of the dark brown wool in the sumak, indicating age and the use of iron oxide in the dye; all colours from natural dye sources so no runs or other colour defects.
 
Stock no: T017
 
Comments:
This weaving was a side panel from a mafrash – a bedding bag used by nomadic tribes to store and transport felts, woven products for the tent and clothing. They could be easily strapped to a camel for the summer-winter migration. Inside the tent, they could be used as cushions and extra insulation from the cold.
Today panels such as this are collectible items in themselves but are also used as table mats and wall and sofa decorations.
 
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