Vintage Shahsavan Sumak Rug: Handwoven Wool Flatweave with Ram's Horn Motif (3'3" x 2'8")

This authentic tribal flatweave was woven in the Shahsavan/Azeri tradition of the Northwest Plateau, using the classic sumak (verneh) weft-wrapping technique rather than knotting. Its jewel-box palette of madder red, indigo, ivory, saffron and soft greens frames a dense lattice of small octagonal guls, linked by protective ram’s-horn devices and enclosed by bold reciprocal zig-zag borders.

Compact and richly patterned, it’s ideal beside a bed, in an entry, or hung on the wall as a piece of living textile art.

Created by nomadic artisans, sumak pieces like this were prized for their durability on the move. The design reads as a “field of charms”: each octagon encloses tiny hooked diamonds for protection; the white ram’s-horn connectors symbolize strength and fertility; and the outer wolf-tooth/zig-zag border forms a safeguarding fence around the inner world. The back shows the characteristic colorful floats of true weft-wrapping, confirming an entirely hand-made construction in hand-spun wool.

Dating to the mid-20th century (c. 1960s–1970s), the rug retains saturated natural tones with a few warmer aniline touches typical of the period. Its versatile size and tough, low profile make it a superb accent in modern, bohemian, or rustic interiors.

Features:

Dimensions: 99 × 82 cm (≈ 39" × 32")

Origin: Shahsavan/Azeri tribal weaving, Northwest Caucasus/Plateau tradition

Date: Vintage, circa 1960s–1970s

Materials: Hand-spun sheep’s wool warp, weft, and surface yarns; undyed brown/ivory with plant-dye shades (madder red, indigo blue, yellow; some early synthetic orange)

Construction: Handwoven sumak (weft-wrapped) flatweave; not a knotted pile rug

Design: Octagonal gul lattice with paired ram’s-horn connectors; inner reciprocal “running S/dragon” guard; outer wolf-tooth zig-zag border

Colors: Madder red ground with midnight blue, moss/olive, ivory, saffron, and touches of orange

Pile height: Flat, textured relief ≈ 2–3 mm

Density: Not applicable to flatweaves; warp count approx. 7–8 per cm (≈18–20 per inch)

Condition: Very good vintage. Even surface with light age toning; ends show minor wear to the plain-weave finish and a few tiny old stitches on the back—stable and ready to use; no holes or structural issues.

Pattern & Cultural Notes (naqsha):
A disciplined grid of guls (protection/abundance) is “tied” at intervals by mirrored ram’s-horns (strength, prosperity). The zig-zag and wolf-tooth borders form a symbolic enclosure against the outside world—motifs widely associated with Shahsavan and South Caucasian tribal aesthetics.

Estimated making time: At this fineness, a single weaver would spend 3–4 weeks of part-time work to wrap and lay the thousands of passes that build the motif grid.

Where it works:
Perfect for an entry, kitchen runner alternative, bedside, office, or as a wall hanging. Complements boho, eclectic, mid-century, cabin/rustic, Japandi, and global modern styles.

Care Instructions:

Vacuum lightly with a suction-only setting (no beater bar).

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

Rotate seasonally to balance light and foot traffic.

Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth; spot clean with a small amount of wool-safe soap and cool water.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve dyes.

For a full wash, use a professional cleaner experienced with handwoven flatweaves.

Bring home a collectible example of Shahsavan/Azeri artistry—dense with protective symbols, beautifully hand-spun texture, and a timeless palette that plays well with contemporary interiors.