Balikeshir grain bag

Balikeshir grain bag

Balikeshir, western Turkey

circa 1900

Size: 123 x 66 cm

This flatwoven rug is woven in a technique called discontinuous supplementary weft-faced weave! It hails from the Balikesir region of northwest Anatolia. The nomadic forebears of the village weavers of the region are believed to have been the descendants of Turkmen tribes from Central Asia. Many such nomadic group migrated westward into Anatolia from the 11th century.

Typical of rugs and trappings from this area is the restrained but rich colour palette, reminiscent of old Turkmen weavings.