KURDISH SALT BAG

Early 20th century
Handwoven, wool, natural dyes
34.5 x 14.75 in (88 x 37.5 cm)

This work is mounted on a fabric measuring 38.5 x 18.7 in (98 x 47.5 cm) with a sleeve sewn on the reverse in case it is desired to be hung

This lot will be shipped in a roll

A Northwest Persian salt bag, likely woven by a Kurdish weaver. Salt bags with a narrow mouth were used to carry rock salt on seasonal migrations to the top of the mountain in the summer and back down to the base valley in the winter. The narrow mouth prevented salt, which is a very precious commodity for the nomads, from falling out during the arduous journey on mule back. The face of the bag is in a knotted pile, containing iconography based on pomegranates. The plain weave red part forms the back side of the completed bag.