Tribal Rugs and Kilims

02/07/2016

Finds from Anatolia June 2016
I’ve just returned from a trip to Turkey where I was glad to be able to find some interesting antique kilims, trappings and a few special rugs.

Because of political problems, conflicts in Syria and Kurdish eastern Turkey and the recent violence and bombings in Istanbul and Ankara, it was extremely quiet with few tourists on the ground, other than Turkish people enjoying weekends away from the cities. It is a pity so many have been put off visiting this vast and fascinating country. All those who rely on tourism directly or indirectly (an important part of the national economy) are suffering greatly. Many hotels have closed, small traders face severe financial hardship and the knock-on effect of the downturn in visitor numbers will surely be felt for several years to come.

Here is a preview of mobile phone photos with a selection of the weavings I found. As they arrive in Ireland, I will add good photos and descriptions to the 'New Arrivals' page on my website www.kilim.ie and you can see the whole June collection here: http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_RUGS_and_KILIMS/Pages/2016_FINDS_FROM_ANATOLIA.html

05/12/2015

Here are photos of some more of the new arrivals to the collection

05/12/2015

I have uploaded photos of a number of beautiful antique Anatolian kilims and other small rugs which were recently added to my collection. See this link if you woud like to look at these new arrivals: http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_RUGS_and_KILIMS/Pages/NEW_ARRIVALS.html

31/07/2014

Just arrived from Hungary, a beautiful late 19th century Matyó embroidery.

Hand embroidered silk on a silk fabric foundation, in excellent condition with its original five small black silk hanging loops along the top edge. 115cmx54cm.

In 2012 Matyó embroidery, traditionally practiced as a communal activity, was made a UNESCO Intangible Cultural World Heritage. See http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00633 for more information on the Matyó.

The Matyó settled in the Mezőkövesd area of N. E. Hungary following Turkish invasions in their original homelands in Hungary and Slovakia. They established themselves as a distinct ethnic group in the late 1800s and legend says that they are descended from bodyguards of King Matthias, whose Renaissance court inspired their tradition of fine embroidered textiles.

The 1928 black and white photo is of a young woman from Mezőkövesd wearing traditional Matyó costume.

For more photos see www.kilim.ie

30/07/2014

Zincir technique on a small antique Malatya kilim

Kathi has just finished conserving the fringe of this small antique 'fragment' kilim (i.e. part of what was a larger kilim). The kilim is from the Malatya region of easter Anatolia in Turkey, probably from the village of Sinan, now under the Karakaya Dam, which submerged many ancient villages that were the homes of nomadic tribesmen with a wonderful weaving tradition. For an example of a fine antique heybe saddlebag from Sinan, see: http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_RUGS_and_KILIMS/Pages/HEYBE_SADDLE_BAGS.html

The kilim below includes areas of metal bound thread which would originally have given it an added sparkle (3rd photo), uses white cotton for added contrast in the patterns and silk thread in the centre of the stars in the central bands.

The Turkish term 'zincir çekme' describes the technique of retaining the fringe of a kilim (or carpet) by sewing a crochet type knot around each of the warp threads along the length of the rug. Kathi was taught the technique by Ibrahim Konukcu in Goreme, Cappadocia, a skilled repairer of kilims and rugs.

For more photos of the kilim, see: www.kilim.ie

06/05/2014

Just back from Turkey with some beautiful weavings. Here are photos of a few of the pieces I found and a link to more:

http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_RUGS_and_KILIMS/Pages/MAY_2014_FINDS_FROM_ANATOLIA.html

11/08/2012

09/08/2012

06/07/2012

Please see my new postings on Rugrabbit: http://rugrabbit.com/profile/2103

I'm a sculptor and teacher of flute and sax with a background in archaeology and a passion for antique kilims and tribal rugs. I run a small part-time business selling rugs at two local markets in West Cork, Ireland and online. I am not an expert and welcome any constructive suggestions on the piece...

18/08/2011

If you would like more information about my collection of rugs and other objects, further photos or details, please send me an email or phone me.

18/08/2011

I've added a page to my website for large carpets that includes some attractive Afghan, Ersari, Heriz, Sarrough and Bakhtiari rugs: http://www.sculpture-ireland.com/www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_RUGS_and_KILIMS/Pages/LARGE_RUGS_CARPETS.html

14/06/2011

I made a page for the rugs! But I need 25 people to like it before I am allowed to have a username! :(

Tribal kilims, rugs and textiles from Anatolia & the Middle East