Tekke kurteh, $330

Woman’s cape, kurteh
from western Turkmenistan
circa 1900

List price: $550
Sale price: $330

A kurteh or chyrpy was worn by Turkmen women, in this case belonging to the Tekke tribe, as a cape which was draped over the head and shoulders.
Like much other clothing and costume it had significance as an item of rank and status within the community. This was denoted here by colour. Generally speaking, blue and green kurteh were worn by younger women whereas yellow and the very rare white silk ones were worn by older members of the clan.