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The field design consists of concentric hooked diamonds radiating outward toward the borders.
A 'saw-tooth' motif frames the field. This 'frame' is outlined in white and has a ground color of rich aubergine.
Small diamond motifs in blue and white are symmetrically displaced within this frame.
A small border runs along the outer edges of the weaving.
The juxtaposition of dark color (aubergine) next to dark color (teal) makes the design elements of the border difficult to see.
This technique is something of a tradition with certain Baluch weavings.
The design construct of this border is the so-called 'running dog' motif.
All the colors are from natural dyes and include light blue, indigo, teal, aubergine, ivory, yellow, red, orange-red, black and brown.
Determining the precise age of a tribal weaving is, at best, a tentative exercise.
This bag face, however, appears to be of considerable age and perhaps more significantly seems to be a genuine tribal weaving rather than something produced for the commercial, export market.
There was, for example, little or no Western market for tribal weavings in the late 19th century.
The primitive design execution suggests that the weaver was not motivated by the need to satisfy the aesthetic sensitivities of the Western market.
Condition: The pile is generally full. There is no oxidation. There is some wear in the outer border areas and to the sides and ends. No previous repairs have been make to the piece. |
