Shahsevan sumak khorjin

This complete sumak ‘khorjin,’ or double saddle bag set, is most likely the work of a Shahsevan weaver working in the border regions between Northwest Persia and the south Caucasus. Colorful diagonal bands are drawn across the faces of each bag in a striped pattern, punctuated by geometric ‘S’ motifs. This design comes from contemporaneous Persian woolen textiles and was adapted (probably in the late 18th century) into both flat woven pieces, such as sumak, as well as pile rugs. Each bag face is unique, emphasizing different tones within the same diverse palette.