Vintage Caucasian–Anatolian Tribal Runner | Hand-Knotted Wool | Ram’s-Horn & Fylfot Motifs | Ivory • Red • Saffron

A lively narrow runner woven in a classic Caucasus/Anatolian village tradition: three stacked, hooked diamond medallions float on an ivory ground, framed by talismanic ram’s-horns and a cheerful rosette border. Plush hand-spun wool and saturated natural tones make this a soulful accent for halls, kitchens, or beside the bed.

Weaving tradition: Tribal Caucasian/Anatolian village work—design language and construction match small-loom Yörük/Kars–Kazak traditions (hooked diamonds, amulet corners, stacked medallions, square rosette side border).

Knot structure: Symmetrical Turkish/Ghiordes knots are evident on the back; the tie points are centered between warps.

Regional origin: Eastern Anatolia/South Caucasus borderlands (Kars/Kazak sphere). The crisp latch-hook geometry, bold saffron/madder palette, and pink overcast selvages are signatures of this area.

Age: Vintage, mid-20th century (c. 1950s–1970s). Tones show gentle oxidation and abrash; edges display mellow age with original finishes intact.

Marks/signatures: No written signature; regionally distinctive elements include the ram’s-horn latch-hooks around each lozenge and the checker/rosette outer border.

Pile & density: Medium, springy pile ~ 8–9 mm; village handle with an estimated ~80 knots per square inch (±10).

Materials: Hand-spun wool pile on wool warp & weft; natural and early-synthetic dye mix typical for the period—madder reds, weld-type yellows, indigo-blue outlines, and soft ivory.

Motifs:

Hooked diamonds (latch-hook “gul”): strength and protection.

Ram’s-horns curling in the spandrels: vitality and prosperity.

Fylfot/whirling fret at the very center of each medallion: protective, warding symbol used widely across the Caucasus.

Rosette chain in the border: abundance and the cycle of seasons.

Naqsha & layout: A classic three-medallion runner. The medallions are stepped and nested, creating movement along a narrow field; strong outlining in black/indigo provides visual separation (a hallmark of Caucasian graphic design).

Borders: Multiple guards culminate in a lovely square-rosette main border whose small scale balances the large central icons—textbook village proportioning.

Weaving signatures: Pink wool overcasting on the selvedges, two-shot wool wefts visible on the back, and the red/saffron/ivory palette all echo Eastern Anatolian/Caucasian workshop habits.

Symbols: Protective amulets (ram’s-horns, whirling fret) speak to household blessing and safe passage—apt for a doorway or hallway runner.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted tribal runner

Origin: Eastern Anatolia / South Caucasus area

Size: 0.42 × 1.79 m (approx. 1'5" × 5'10.5")

Pile: Hand-spun wool, medium height (~8–9 mm)

Foundation: Wool warps & wool wefts

Knotting: Symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes), ~80 KPSI (≈ 124,000 knots/m²)

Dyes: Predominantly natural with some mid-century early synthetics; rich madder red, saffron/gold, ivory, black/indigo, touches of rose and olive

Age: c. 1950s–1970s

Time to weave (est.): ~90,000 total knots for this size—about 10–15 days of bench time for an experienced village weaver

Condition: Good vintage—even, healthy pile with light age toning and small, honest abrash; ends and selvedges original with minor fray at spots (see photos). Clean, no odors, ready to use.

Authentic tribal geometry with stacked hooked lozenges

Ivory field that brightens a narrow space

Pink overcast selvedges—a charming regional touch

Dense wool that feels cushy underfoot

Narrow footprint perfect for hallways, kitchens, entry nooks, beside the bed, or layered over a jute

Care & use:

Use a quality rug pad to prevent movement and reduce wear.

Vacuum on low suction/no beater bar; vacuum both sides occasionally.

Rotate seasonally for even sun exposure.

Blot spills immediately; avoid soaking. For deep cleaning, use a professional hand-wash service experienced with hand-knotted wool.

Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the natural dyes.


This runner was knotted on a village loom for everyday use and blessing—made to guide feet through a home with color and symbols of protection. If you’d like extra photos, a short video, or styling ideas for your space, message me—I’m happy to help!