Vintage Anatolian Kilim Rug: Handwoven Red Indigo Wool Flatweave

Bring home a piece of village weaving tradition. This hand-woven kilim was created on a ground loom by a tribal weaver in central Anatolia and features bold diamonds, ram’s-horn guards and a protective saw-tooth border in saturated madder red and indigo. Lightweight yet durable, it’s an authentic flatweave with the crisp geometry collectors love and the easy versatility decorators want.


Weaving tradition & structure.
From the photos, this piece is a kilim (weft-faced tapestry) rather than a pile rug. You can see the characteristic vertical “slits” where color blocks meet (close-ups show tiny gaps between the blue/red/ivory steps). That confirms a slit-weave flatweave technique typical of Anatolian village looms. There are no knots; design is created by colored wefts packed tightly over sturdy warps.

Regional origin.
The palette (madder red, deep indigo, ivory, soft sky and salmon abrash) and the layout—elongated hooked diamonds mirrored along a strong red panel with flanking protective amulets and a serrated “wolf’s mouth”/mountain border—point to Central/Eastern Anatolia (Konya–Karapınar / Kars influence) where such hooked lozenges and ram’s-horn side motifs are signature.

Age.
Dyes are clear and bright with gentle abrash and even sun-softening at the borders; warps and selvages are healthy. This reads as mid–late 20th century (c. 1970s–1990s) village production—authentic, not a modern factory copy.

Materials.
Soft, resilient hand-spun wool wefts on a light cotton warp (the white fringe/warp color and handle suggest cotton). Natural and early synthetic dyes were likely used—note the subtle abrash in blues and reds.

Motifs & meaning.

Hooked diamonds / central medallions: protection and the “eye,” warding off negativity.

Ram’s-horn (koçboynuzu) in the red guard bands: strength, fertility, prosperity.

Serrated saw-tooth border (“wolf’s mouth”): a classic protective perimeter.

Small sprouting buds in the blue field: growth and good fortune.
Together, these create a balanced naqsha (design program) of protection at the border, strength in the guard bands, and a watchful center—an old village design logic.

Condition.
Very good vintage condition. Flat, even handle; edges intact; minor end fray consistent with age; light abrash and a few tiny tapestry slits visible (these are inherent to slit-weave, not damage). Clean and ready to use.

Technical Specifications

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

Origin: Central/Eastern Anatolia, village work

Age: c. 1970s–1990s

Size: 168 cm x 104 cm (approx 5’6” x 3’5”)

Materials: Wool weft, cotton warp; tassel fringes at both ends

Weave density: Flatweave—no knots; tightly packed wefts (~28–32 weft lines per 10 cm)

Pile height: None (flatweave, ~0–2 mm)

Colors: Madder red, indigo/navy, ivory, soft sky blue, salmon, light teal with attractive abrash

Condition: Very good vintage; minor age-appropriate wear at ends; structurally sound

Time investment: For a single weaver, this quality/size flatweave typically represents 2–3 weeks of loom time plus finishing.

Features You’ll Love

Authentic Anatolian tribal design with crisp geometry

Lightweight flatweave—easy to layer, hang, or move

All natural fibers (wool on cotton) for breathability and durability

Versatile boho/Scandi/southwestern palette: deep indigo + warm red + ivory

One-of-a-kind artisanal piece—no two village kilims are the same

Care Instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and extend life.

Vacuum weekly with suction only (no beater bar) in the direction of the weave.

Rotate every few months for even wear and color exposure.

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; avoid soaking.

For a deep clean, professionally hand-wash flatweaves; avoid steam or dry-cleaning solvents.

Store rolled (not folded) in breathable cotton with a sprinkle of cedar or lavender.

Styling Ideas

Perfect for an entry, kitchen runner substitute, office, reading nook, or layered under a coffee table. The bold diamonds and classic red-indigo contrast play beautifully with mid-century, bohemian, rustic cabin, and modern eclectic interiors.


This is a genuine village kilim—woven to be used, loved, and passed on. If you’d like additional photos, a video in natural light, or help pairing it with other textiles, just ask. I’m happy to help you make this heirloom part of your home.