Afshar sumak bag

Tent bags are among the most characteristic domestic weaving items associated with the tribal and nomadic peoples of the Near East and Central Asia. This large complete storage bag was woven by the Afshar of southeast Persia. The nomadic roots of the Afshar run deep; they descended from Turkic tribes that migrated to Iran in the 10th century. A sumak flat weave front, or bag face, is backed by a plain striped kilim back. The fasteners and loops are both preserved. Rows of colorful hexagonal forms, perhaps evocative of pomegranates, run diagonally against a deep indigo ground. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Corwin.