Kars Bird Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool, Tribal Animal Motifs

Discovered from a village weaving tradition in Eastern Anatolia, this small Kars rug is a collector-favorite “bird” composition: four large guardian birds settle on a warm camel field while flocks of tiny birds march around the border. The saturated madder red frame, purple, sage, indigo and burnt-orange accents are classic Kars village colors, and the striped kilim end-finishes confirm an authentic hand-knotted piece—not a reproduction.

Weaving tradition & origin.
The layout, palette and construction point squarely to Kars/Ardahan work (Eastern Anatolia). Kars weavers are known for animal/bird rugs, camel-tone fields, bold primary borders and distinctive striped kilim skirts at the ends—exactly what we see here in the photos. The handle is meaty with a wool warp and weft; the pile is lustrous, oily village wool.

Knotting & structure.
Closeups of the back and fold show a compact village weave with the symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knot on a wool foundation—typical for Anatolia. Count and scale indicate an approx. 7–9 knots per linear inch (about 80 KPSI / 125–140k knots per m²), giving a durable, medium pile.

Age.
Dyes are rich yet settled and the wool shows a gentle, even sheen with intact kilim ends—consistent with a late-20th-century weave, c. 1980s–1990s.

Motifs & meaning.

Large Birds (murgi/peacock type): protectors, prosperity, and good news.

Marching small birds in the border: fertility and abundance.

Hooked “S”/whirling motifs: ancient good-luck and protection signs in Anatolian vocabulary.

Eight-point rosette/crossed star elements: guidance and blessing.
The naqsha (design logic) centers four totem birds on a quiet, camel ground for strong figure/ground contrast; the busy bird border acts as a protective fence, a classic village design theory.

Condition (honest assessment).
Excellent vintage condition with even pile and no visible repairs. Original edges are strong; striped kilim skirts at both ends are present with only light age fray typical of use. Colors are fast and saturated with mild, attractive patina.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted village rug (not machine-made)

Origin: Kars / Eastern Anatolia

Age: c. 1980s–1990s

Size: 132 cm x 79 cm (approx. 4’4” x 2’7”)

Pile: 100% hand-spun sheep’s wool, medium pile ~6–8 mm

Foundation: Wool warp & weft with striped kilim end-finishes

Knot type: Turkish (Ghiordes), approx. ~80 KPSI (7–9 LPI; village weave)

Colors: Camel/tan field, madder red, plum/purple, indigo/blue, sage/olive, burnt orange, ivory/cream, charcoal outlines

Design: Four large birds on camel ground; border of marching birds and hooked talismanic motifs

Condition: Excellent vintage; edges and fringes secure; light, age-appropriate patina; no holes, stains, or detected repairs

Time to weave (est.): 6–8 weeks of loom time for a weaver plus prep/finishing

Authentic Kars bird composition—collectible and decorative

Wool-on-wool build for warmth, durability and a velvety hand

Naturally variegated camel ground that pairs easily with modern interiors

Perfect small size for entry, kitchen, office, nursery, or wall hanging

Ethnographic charm with readable animal symbols and protective talismans

Care & longevity

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

Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar) in the direction of the pile.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even sun and foot-traffic exposure.

Blot spills immediately with a dry white cloth; avoid scrubbing.

For deep cleaning, use a professional hand-wash service experienced with hand-knotted wool.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve color saturation.

Bring home a genuine slice of Anatolian village art—alive with birds, color and story—in a versatile size that’s easy to place and a joy to live with. Have questions or want more photos? I’m happy to help!