Shahsevan Kilim

A centuries old tradition of nomads and villagers weaving kilims and flat weaves for utilitarian purposes continues to this day. In the late 19th century, the use of natural prevailed and many of these remained in the possession of families until the fall of communism. Dealers then descended on the Caucasus and purchased thousands of them with most ending up in the west. It was the single biggest influx of these weavings that were never intended for export.