A fleecy, soft, high-pile Julkhyr rug (representing 'bearskin'), this piece was probably woven by Arab tribes in the Kyrgyz or Uzbek regions of central Asia. Woven in two halves on narrow horizontal looms, the pieces have been sown together in the middle to make a wide 'sleeping' rug. Dating back to the late 19th century, this rug features a classic diamond composition in blue and yellowish gold with running dog borders.
Tribal carpets are typically made by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes from various parts of the world. Their designs are different from modern, commercial carpets, in that they are mostly raw, abstract and somewhat naïve. Typically, women weave the carpets without a set design in mind during the weaving process, which results in the variations in the patterns, and the irregular shapes of the carpets. These “perfect imperfections” are the delicate nuances, that add to the beauty of each one-of-a-kind handwoven carpet. Every tribal carpet has a unique story that comes from weaver’s thoughts and expressions. Elements like flowers, plants, human beings, birds, and animals such as dogs, sheep and camels often feature, giving a base to the storyline.