Handwoven Anatolian Kilim Rug – Tribal Geometric Flatweave, 5'7" x 3'7"

You’re viewing a genuine handmade kilim—a flat-woven tribal rug created with time-honored techniques, not a machine print. I’ve carefully examined every photo to authenticate the weave, read the motifs, and document condition so you can buy with confidence.

Rug story & expert analysis

Weaving tradition & structure.
This is a classic Anatolian kilim woven in the slit-tapestry method (flat-weave; no pile). You can see the hallmark vertical “slits” where contrasting color blocks meet, especially along the stepped reds and greens in the center panel and at the hourglass border. The back shows the same pattern as the front, another flat-weave tell. Because it’s a kilim, there is no knotting (so no Ghiordes/Symmetrical vs. Senneh comparison)—the design is produced by tightly packed weft yarns over a wool warp.

Regional character.
Motifs, palette and construction point to central–southern Anatolia (Turkey) village work. The hourglass/“göz” border and the stepped diamond medallions inside a contrasting crimson central panel are signatures seen in Yörük and Konya-area village kilims. Color choices—brick red, soft leaf green, denim/navy blues, parchment, mustard and charcoal—fit the Anatolian vegetable-dye spectrum. Mild abrash (natural shade shifts) is visible in the greens and blues, a desirable hand-dyed trait.

Age.
Judging by the crisp yet slightly mellowed colors, intact selvages, short native fringes and even handle, I date it to the late 20th–early 21st century (c. 1990s–2010s)—a well-kept village piece rather than a brand-new reproduction.

Materials.
Hand-spun wool weft on wool warp. The close-ups show a softly lustrous, slightly heathered yarn typical of village-spun wool. Dyes appear to be vegetable/low-impact with minor abrash.

Pile & density.
As a flat-weave it has no pile; thickness about 3–4 mm. From the macro photos I count roughly 6–7 weft picks per cm (≈15–18 ppi)—a tight village tapestry weave that gives crisp geometry and good durability.

Condition.
Excellent vintage condition: edges straight, selvages sound, fringes short and tidy, no holes or repairs noted. Light, natural abrash and a gentle diagonal waviness from hand tension—both normal and desirable in authentic kilims.

Motifs & cultural meaning

Stepped diamond medallions (göz/eye & protection): used to avert the evil eye and focus energy toward the center.

Hourglass border (sometimes read as stylized elibelinde or time motif): cycles of life, feminine protection and balance.

Comb/ladder “çengel” bars flanking the center panel: purification and safeguarding the household.

Reciprocal saw-tooth inner guard: a protective “fence” encircling the field.

Design theory (naqsha): a narrow red prayer-panel–like field anchors a stacked lozenge spine, amplified by mirrored side motifs and guarded by rhythmic hourglasses—classic tribal geometry that reads strong from a distance yet rewards close inspection.

Features:

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

Origin: Anatolia, Turkey (village work)

Age: c. 1990s–2010s

Size: 170 x 110 cm (approx 5’7” x 3’7”)

Warp / Weft: 100% wool / 100% wool

Dyes: Vegetable/low-impact (abrash visible)

Thickness: ~3–4 mm (flat profile)

Weave density: ~6–7 weft picks per cm (≈15–18 ppi)

Ends/edges: Short native fringes; intact overcast selvages

Condition: Excellent; no stains, holes or odors noted; very mild age-consistent waviness

Time investment: At this fineness and size, a weaver would spend 3–4 weeks of dedicated loom time (not counting wool prep and dyeing).

Authentic tribal geometric look—bold red center with soothing greens & blues

Lightweight & reversible; easy to lift, shake out, or layer

Hard-wearing wool that naturally resists dirt and ages beautifully

Ethically handmade; each abrash transition is the fingerprint of the dyestuff and the artisan

Styling notes

Perfect for entryways, kitchens, home offices, reading nooks, and layered living rooms. Plays beautifully with boho, Mediterranean, Japandi/Scandi, modern farmhouse, eclectic and mid-century interiors. The strong vertical spine also works wonderfully as a wall hanging.

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and extend life.

Vacuum/Shake weekly (suction only; no beater bar).

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

Rotate 2–3 times per year for even wear & light exposure.

Professionally hand-wash when needed (avoid steam cleaning).


Ready to welcome it home?

This kilim brings warmth, color and centuries of weaving knowledge to your space. If you’d like, I can send extra daylight photos, a short video, or mockups in your room. Add to cart with confidence—authentic, handmade, and curated by a rug specialist.