Yomut torba

When applied to Turkmen weaving, the term ‘torba’ refers to a type of shallow tent bag; smaller than a ‘chuval,’ but larger than a ‘mafrash’. This classic Yomut group Turkmen bag face was woven as part of a torba and used to store household goods. Turkmen design uses a a full vocabulary of ‘guls:’ small repeated cruciform and polygon forms that are used as both major and minor elements. This torba is unusual in its use of a cruciform, often seen as a minor repeat element, as a major element. Thinner, delicate cruciform elements are then used as minors. The piece’s colors are vivid and natural, and it employs a classic Yomud burgundy red field.

Collection of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price