Antique Shahsavan Soumak Kilim Panel: Tribal Geometric Flatweave Wall Hanging

This authentic tribal flatweave began life as a nomadic storage-bag panel (mafrash/khorjin) from the Shahsavan weaving tradition of the South Caucasus. Later opened and finished for use as a small floor rug or wall hanging, it retains all the hallmarks of classic soumak workmanship—raised, braided weft-wrapping, bold hooked diamonds, and protective “S/dragon” devices—rendered in glowing natural tones of madder red, saffron, apricot, walnut brown, and indigo.

Handmade with wool on wool using the soumak (weft-wrapping) technique, the textile shows the original end finishes: striped kilim bands with small “S” motifs and a dark skirt with slotted tabs—details typical of Shahsavan bag and box panels. Its portable size, rugged tribal geometry, and saturated dyes make it a striking accent for bohemian, rustic, or collector interiors.

Detailed description & cultural context

Weaving tradition: Soumak flatweave, a durable technique where colored wefts are wrapped around warps to create a slightly raised, corded surface. The reverse shows long, directional weft floats consistent with genuine soumak, not tapestry.

Motifs & meaning: Alternating horizontal bands of hooked diamonds/ashiks (amuletic eyes), small “S/dragon” devices for protection, and stepped lozenges. These banded patterns are a signature of Shahsavan nomads and are commonly found on storage-bag panels used on the move.

Layout (naqsha): A rhythmic, stacked-band composition that stabilizes the design for travel textiles. Narrow guard stripes separate the main bands; end panels are striped kilim with decorative detailing.

Borders & field dialogue: The kilim end-guards echo the red/ivory/indigo accents found in the central bands, visually tying the frame to the field while the slotted skirt at one end hints at its former utilitarian function (for lacing/attaching the bag body).

Origin & date: South Caucasus / Shahsavan tribal work, mid-20th century (c. 1940s–1960s), based on palette, wool handle, end finishes, and band organization.

Authenticating details:

Braided soumak texture with diagonal wrap lines visible in close-ups.

Original slotted lower skirt and striped “S” kilim ends typical of mafrash/khorjin panels.

Hand-spun wool with subtle abrash, natural dye look, and goat-hair–toned dark fringe at the top.

Features

Dimensions: 105 × 86 cm (≈ 3'5" × 2'10")

Construction: Handwoven soumak (weft-wrapped) flatweave with kilim end bands; edges hand overcast.

Knot/Weave density (soumak): approx. 6–7 wraps per cm (≈ 15–18 per inch); warps ~3–4 per cm.

Materials: Hand-spun wool wefts and warps; dark end fringe likely goat-hair blend.

Dyes: Traditional natural/early synthetic mix typical of mid-century tribal work—madder reds, indigo blues, undyed ivory, walnut/earth browns, saffron/orange.

Pile height: Pileless (textured soumak surface).

Weight/handle: Medium body with the sturdy, slightly corded hand expected of soumak.

Condition: Good vintage: strong colors and structure. Minor age-consistent wear to selvedges and ends, a few tiny old mends and small frays at corners, slight waviness—not perfectly rectangular from tribal loom use. Clean and ready to use.

Genuine Shahsavan tribal textile repurposed from a storage-bag panel—collectible and decorative.

Rich banded geometry with protective S devices and hooked diamonds.

Versatile size for wall hanging, entry, kitchen, or layering over a larger rug.

Durable flatweave surface that sits low under doors and furniture.

Warm, earthy palette that pairs beautifully with wood, leather, and plants.

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent movement and protect edges.

Vacuum lightly with a suction-only setting (no beater bar) in the direction of the weave.

Rotate seasonally for even wear and light exposure.

Spot clean with a small amount of wool-safe solution; avoid soaking.

For deeper cleaning or stabilization of ends, consult a specialist in flatweaves/soumak.

If hung as wall art, use a sleeve or Velcro strip sewn to a cotton header to support weight evenly.

Bring home a piece of nomadic design history—this Shahsavan soumak panel adds texture, color, and story wherever it lives, from modern boho spaces to curated tribal collections.