Vintage Anatolian Kilim Rug: Handwoven Wool, Tribal Medallion

Bring home a genuine piece of village weaving. This hand-woven kilim was crafted on a ground loom in central Anatolia and features classic tribal symbols rendered in bold, happy colors. Light, strong, and reversible, it works beautifully as a small area rug, entry accent, or a striking wall hanging.

Weaving tradition & structure.
This piece is an authentic Anatolian kilim executed in the slit-weave tapestry technique. Color blocks meet along clean vertical “slits,” a hallmark of flatweaves from central Turkey. The ends are finished with a sturdy kilim band and short fringe; side edges are neatly overcast.

Design language.
At the heart is a coral field enclosing paired koçboynuzu (ram’s horn) motifs—an auspicious emblem of strength, vitality, and protection in nomadic weaving. Surrounding the center is a lattice of diamond guls with small eye/amulet openings meant to ward off the evil eye. The stepped, “biting” yellow inner border and the diagonal bar outer border echo common wolf’s-mouth / running-dog protective patterns seen in village kilims. The overall naqsha is a balanced medallion-and-lattice layout framed by strong guard borders—graphic, symmetrical, and meant to read from a distance (perfect for wall display).

Origin & age.
Palette (navy indigo tone with coral, brick red, powder blue, mustard, and sage), yarn twist, and motif execution point to Central Anatolia (Konya–Karapınar region), woven c. 1970s–1990s by a village weaver for home use. Dyes appear to be a thoughtful mix of vegetal and early low-impact synthetics, typical of this period.

Materials & handle.

Weft-faced wool flatweave on wool warps (fringe binding likely cotton).

Medium-firm handle; lies flat with a pad.

Authentication notes (from photos).

Crisp slit lines and stepped joints confirm true tapestry weaving (not print or machine).

Reversible face with identical color blocks on the back; no tufted pile (so no knot type applies).

Hand-spun character and tiny irregularities in outline are consistent with village work, not mill production.

Condition.
Excellent vintage condition: even surface with light, expected age speckling and a couple of tiny yarn nubs seen in macro shots; edges and ends sound; colors strong with gentle, even patina. Clean and ready to use.

Features:

Type: Hand-woven kilim (slit-weave tapestry)

Region: Central Anatolia, Turkey

Age: ca. 1970s–1990s (vintage)

Size: 111 cm x 94 cm (approx 3’7” x 3’1”)

Warp / Weft: Wool / Wool (end binding likely cotton)

Weave density (approx): ~28–32 weft passes per 10 cm (~7–8 per inch)

Pile: None (flatweave)

Primary colors: Navy, coral, brick red, powder blue, mustard, sage green, cream

Motifs: Ram’s horn (koçboynuzu), diamonds/guls with eye, wolf’s mouth / running dog, stepped guards

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

Condition: Excellent vintage; minor age traces only; no holes, tears, or repairs observed

Authentic village weaving with meaningful tribal symbols

Reversible and lightweight—great as a wall hanging or floor accent

Statement color palette that plays well with modern & boho interiors

Durable, all-wool construction with tidy, reinforced ends

One-of-a-kind—sustainably sourced vintage

Care Instructions

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and extend life.

Vacuum with suction only (no beater bar) or shake out.

Rotate every few months for even wear and light exposure.

Spot clean with cool water and a small amount of wool-safe soap; blot, don’t rub.

For deeper cleaning, use a professional who specializes in hand-woven wool flatweaves.

Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve color.


Bring this soulful kilim into your home and enjoy a genuine slice of Anatolian craft—woven to last, designed to delight. If you’d like a hanging sleeve added or gift wrapping, just send me a note!