Ersari ensi

An ensi is a type of weaving used by the Turkmen of Central Asia as door-flaps on the inside of nomadic tents or yurts. This Ensi was most probably woven by the Ersari or another related eastern Turkmen group in northern Afghanistan around the turn of the century. Many late 19th century Turkmen were pushed from their tribal realms because of the encroachment of Czarist Russian forces. These tribespeople took refuge across the Oxus River in neighboring Afghanistan. This ensi retains the traditional cruciform field design, reminiscent of wooden door panels, and other design features such as linked animal-head elements and the classic ‘sainak’ border.