Antique Yörük Kilim Saddlebag Panel: Handwoven Tribal Brocade, 3'7" x 1'11"

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I source authentic, handmade village and nomadic weavings with honest age and character. This striking flat-woven piece began life as a saddlebag (khorjin) panel and was woven for real tribal use—not for the tourist trade. Its saturated indigo and madder reds, peach-rose bands, and charming brocaded motifs make it a perfect wall hanging, table/bench cover, or layered accent.


Weaving tradition: Nomadic Anatolian/Yörük flat-weave. The structure is weft-faced tapestry (kilim) with supplementary weft brocade bands (the little floating, raised designs in the pink lanes) and narrow reciprocal “snake/ram’s horn” registers.

Knot type: Not knotted—this is a flat-weave (no pile). Decorative elements are brocaded, not knotted.

Regional origin: Western to South-Central Anatolia (Yörük tribal group). The color palette (deep indigo, madder red, peach/pink abrash, dark brown) and the sequence of plain stripes broken by brocaded guard bands are classic for Yörük and neighboring Kurdish village bags.

Age estimate: Mid-20th century (circa 1940–1960). Natural indigo and madder show soft, even abrash; the ivory kilim end panels and hand-whipstitched sides display use and age patina typical of this period.

Distinctive characteristics:

Original bag construction is visible: the wide ivory end panels are the former bag back/mouth; the whipstitched side seams and turned edges confirm a former two-pouch saddlebag.

Interior striped back cloth (seen in the fold-over photo) is typical nomad work.

Pile height & density: Flat surface—no pile. Tight, sturdy weft packing; medium-fine nomadic density for kilims.

Materials & dyes: Hand-spun sheep’s wool warp and weft. Colors read as natural indigo blues and madder-root reds/orange, with walnut/dark brown and undyed ivory; the soft salmon/peach likely comes from madder variations and sun-fade—consistent with village dyeing.

Pattern & Cultural Analysis

Motifs:

Repeating brocaded ram’s-horn (koçboynuzu) and hooked diamonds—symbols of strength, prosperity, and protection.

Narrow zigzag/“snake” meanders for guarding the field.

Alternating color bands are a practical Yörük aesthetic for rhythm and balance.

Naqsha / layout: A banded composition: solid weft-faced stripes for structural strength, punctuated by brocade registers that act as amuletic borders across the bag face.

Borders vs. field: Instead of a framed border, protection comes from multiple guard bands (brocaded lanes) that separate the field stripes—typical of nomadic bag faces.

Regional signatures: The double rows of heart-shaped/ram’s-horn brocading on a peach-rose ground, plus indigo/madder striping and ivory end skirts, are hallmarks of Anatolian Yörük saddlebag work.

Symbolism: Ram’s-horn, hooked diamonds, and zigzags function as protective and fertility symbols in pastoral life.

Features:

Type: Antique nomadic flat-weave kilim (saddlebag/khorjin front)

Origin: Anatolia (Turkey), Yörük tribe

Age: ca. 1940–1960

Size: 109 cm x 58 cm (approx. 3'7" x 1'11")

Weave: Weft-faced tapestry with supplementary weft brocade; hand-whipstitched sides

Foundation & pile: All wool; no pile

Density (approx.): medium nomadic kilim—about 28–34 weft shots per inch in the solid bands (visual estimate)

Dyes: Predominantly natural/vegetal (indigo, madder), undyed ivory; pleasing abrash

Condition: Good, serviceable vintage. Expected age signs: light surface wear, mild waviness, scattered tiny weft nubs/old nomad mends, and minor edge fray in spots; original ivory end skirts intact. Clean and ready to use.

Authentic tribal saddlebag panel with visible original construction

Saturated indigo & madder with beautiful abrash

Versatile size for wall hanging, tabletop, bench, piano, or layered rug styling

Durable all-wool flat-weave—lightweight yet strong

Culturally meaningful ram’s-horn & hooked diamond brocades

Care Instructions

Vacuum gently with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate occasionally for even wear and light exposure.

Spot clean with a barely damp white cloth; avoid saturating.

For deeper cleaning, use a flat-weave specialist—no steam or harsh chemicals.

If mounting on a wall, use a textile sleeve or Velcro system sewn to a cotton strip (do not puncture the weaving).

Styling Ideas

This kilim’s banded geometry and earthy reds/blues pair beautifully with bohemian, rustic, Scandinavian, Japandi, cabin, and eclectic interiors. Hang it vertically in an entry, drape over a console, or layer across a bed or bench for instant character.


Authentic nomadic textiles like this are one-of-a-kind cultural documents. If this piece speaks to you, don’t wait—once it’s gone, it’s gone. I’m happy to answer questions or help with styling ideas!