Anatolian Kilim Rug: Camel Caravan Folk Art Wool Wall Hanging

This charismatic little kilim brings a whole story into your room: two stylized camels and their handler stride across a field of soft green while the ground is an inviting, hand-spun ivory. Woven by a village craftswoman in central Anatolia, it’s an authentic pictorial flatweave—perfect as a wall hanging, entry accent, or nursery textile with soul.

Visual analysis & authentication

Weaving tradition: Flatweave kilim using slit-tapestry technique. The color areas meet in clean vertical “slits,” typical of Anatolian tapestry work.

Knot structure: None—this is a weft-faced flatweave (no pile), so knots are not used.

Regional origin: The simplified camel and handler silhouettes, cotton warps, and pale green/ivory ground with undyed brown camels are consistent with Anatolian village pictorial kilims made for home decoration, mid-20th century onward.

Age: ca. 1970s–1990s. The handle, cotton warp, and cheerful folk-art graphic point to this period.

Maker’s marks: No written signature; the subject itself (caravan scene) is a classic regional folk theme.

Surface & density: Firm, medium-thick tapestry; compact wefting with crisp motif edges.

Materials: Hand-spun wool wefts on cotton warps. Browns appear to be undyed natural fleece; soft green and orange likely low-impact or natural dyes of the period. Mild abrash (tone variation) is visible—an authenticity hallmark.

Pattern & cultural context

Motifs: Two camels with a camel-driver in an orange robe; grass blades rendered as stepped triangles. In nomadic iconography, camels symbolize travel, trade, endurance, and blessing for safe journeys.

Naqsha / layout: A single pictorial panel across an ivory field—balanced, left-to-right narrative composition typical of folk pictorials meant for wall display.

Borders: No formal borders; the design breathes to the edges—common in small Anatolian pictorials. Twined side cords finish the edges.

Weaving signature: Slit joins, cotton fringe, heathered camel wool, and the naive, charming figure are hallmarks of Anatolian village pieces.

Symbols: The raised staff and forward-moving animals read as protection and guidance—a wish for steady livelihood.

Technical specifications

Dimensions: 104 cm x 51 cm (approx. 3’5” x 1’8”).

Weave: Hand-woven slit-tapestry kilim (flatweave).

Foundation: Cotton warps; wool wefts.

Pile height: Flat (0–2 mm).

Density: Tight weft-faced tapestry; (knot count not applicable).

Age: c. 1970–1990.

Colors: Ivory, heathered browns, soft leaf-green, and a pop of orange.

Time to weave: ~1–2 weeks for an experienced village weaver.

Features at a glance

Authentic Anatolian pictorial kilim (not machine-made)

Camel caravan folk art—warm, story-rich subject

Natural wool on cotton; durable, breathable textile

Versatile wall hanging, small runner, or bench cover

Sustainable vintage with beautiful hand-spun abrash

Care instructions

Vacuum lightly with a brushless head or shake out.

For walls, use a textile hanger or Velcro strip sewn to a twill tape.

Spot clean with cool water and a drop of wool soap; blot, don’t rub.

Avoid prolonged direct sun to preserve color.

For deeper care, entrust to a rug specialist experienced with flatweaves.

Bring home a slice of nomadic storytelling—this cheerful camel caravan will keep your space feeling warm, welcoming, and wonderfully human. Add to cart with confidence, and feel free to message me for a complimentary hanging guide!