Tribal kilim: Hand-Knotted Wool Runner, Qashqai Design 4'10" x 2'10"

Step into true tribal artistry: this compact village piece displays a classic southwest nomadic design—an ivory field populated with tiny camels, deer, birds and protective talismanic motifs, flanked by dramatic serrated dark panels and framed by hooked-diamond borders in madder red, umber, indigo and pumpkin. It’s a lively, story-rich rug that reads both graphic and playful, ideal for a hallway, entry, kitchen, studio or layered boho vignette.


Weaving tradition. The structure, dyes and iconography point to Qashqai / Khamseh tribal work from the southwest highlands. The field shows the beloved “serrated side-panels” (sometimes called comb/wolf-tooth forms) entering from both sides—an old nomadic layout often paired with scattered animal figures. The main border uses alternating hooked diamonds and small talismanic arrows, another hallmark of this weaving circle.

Knotting & handle. Close-ups of the back and folded edge show a compact, village handle with symmetrical (Ghiordes) knots on a wool warp and weft foundation; ends finish with a woven kilim skirt and original overcast side-cords. The pile appears low to low-medium (evenly sheared; mild tip wear only), giving crisp linework and a supple drape.

Palette & materials. High-lanolin tribal wool with earthy browns, madder-red, brick, indigo-blue, soft green, saffron/orange and ivory. The very dark brown areas show light oxidation typical of natural dark fleece. Dyes present as a mixed natural/early-synthetic village palette, stable with pleasing age mellowing.

Age & condition. Visually late 20th century (circa 1975–1995) based on color chemistry, wear pattern, and construction. Condition is very good vintage: even surface wear, intact selvages, intact kilim ends with minor fray at the tassels, a few tiny nomadic reweaves/loose tufts typical for age (see macro photos). Clean, odor-free, ready to use.

Motifs & cultural notes.

Camels & deer (prosperity, guidance, and safe travel) prance across the field.

Birds (good fortune, messengers) perch between double ram’s horns (strength).

Hooked diamonds and “S”/lightning motifs work as apotropaic (protective) charms against the evil eye.
The layout—free-floating creatures within an ivory reserve bracketed by serrated panels—creates movement from margins to center, a classic nomadic naqsha balancing protection (borders and serrations) with abundance (animals and amulets).

Technical Specifications

Origin: Southwest tribal (Qashqai / Khamseh weaving culture)

Type: Hand-knotted pile with kilim end finishes

Size: 148 × 86 cm (approx. 4’10” × 2’10”)

Warp / Weft / Pile: Wool / Wool / Wool

Knot type: Symmetrical (Ghiordes)

Approx. density: ~90–110 kpsi (≈ 140–170k knots/m²) — village fine for this group

Pile height: ~3–5 mm (low to low-medium)

Colors: Ivory, madder red, dark brown/umber, indigo, navy, green, orange, small touches of white

Condition: Very good vintage—even pile, original sides and ends, mild end fringe wear, no holes; lies flat

Rug pad: Recommended for comfort & longevity

Features

Authentic Qashqai/Khamseh animal scatter on ivory field with serrated side-panels

All-wool, high-lanolin yarns for glow and durability

Compact gallery/small runner size—perfect for entry, galley kitchen, bedside, studio

Boho-meets-modern graphic look; plays nicely with Scandinavian, rustic, farmhouse and eclectic interiors

Collector-friendly iconography (camels, deer, birds, ram’s horn, hooked diamonds)

Care Instructions

Vacuum lightly with suction only—no beater bar.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and sun-fade balance.

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and reduce stress on knots.

Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth; for deep cleaning, use a hand-wash specialist experienced with vegetable-dye tribal rugs.

Avoid prolonged direct sun and damp floors.



Ready to bring home a little caravan of good luck? This lively animal-scatter beauty is freshly dusted, professionally checked, and ships rolled and padded. Add it to cart with confidence—authenticity and careful packing guaranteed.