Afshar mixed technique flatweave

While individual pieces were kept and used within the household, many pile pieces woven by the nomads of south Persia were sold at local markets to generate hard currency and to procure trade goods. Utilitarian flat woven pieces were more likely produced and kept in greater proportion by tribal families. This Afshar flat weave may have been woven as a large ‘sofreh,’ a presentation cloth, or as a cover. The white field is formed by a simple plain weave of light undyed warp and weft. Less valuable dark wool is used for the warp on both sides, as the border areas are woven in sumak technique and hence the foundation in these areas remains largely invisible. The main border draws diagonal stripes of a type seen in many Afshar pile rugs and may give a clue to the origin of this design. This is a truly authentic tribal weaving. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Corwin.