Vintage Shahsavan Soumak Kilim: Tribal Woven Mafrash Panel Rug

Bring home an authentic piece of nomadic artistry. This compact flatweave was woven in the Shahsavan/Caucasian tradition and retains the soulful character collectors love—hand-spun wool, saturated natural dyes, and powerful tribal iconography. Sized beautifully for an entry, kitchen, office, or as a striking wall hanging, it’s a conversation piece that carries generations of weaving knowledge.


Weaving tradition & structure.
This is a soumak (sumak) kilim— a flatweave in which the weft is wrapped around the warps to create raised, corded patterning. You can see the oblique wrapping and lightly ribbed texture in the close-ups, along with weft-faced plain stripes at the ends. There is no knotted pile (so questions about “Turkish vs. Senneh” knots don’t apply here).

Regional origin.
The layout—wide plain-weave end bands, a central register of medallions framed by narrow running borders, and the specific palette of madder red, deep indigo, camel/tan, ivory and soft rose—points to Shahsavan tribal work from the southern Caucasus. The composition and format are typical of long bedding-bag (mafrash) panels repurposed or finished as a small rug/mat.

Age.
Dye mellowing, light abrash in the blues, and honest, hand-done repairs suggest early–mid 20th century, circa 1930–1950.

Motifs & meaning.

Hooked octagons and hexagonal cartouches with “crab” arms are classic Caucasian protective emblems.

The red central X flanked by horn-like forms derives from ram’s-horn (koçboynuzu) symbolism—strength, fertility, and protection.

The small reciprocating borders and bead-like rosette chains reference endless/continuity and warding motifs used by nomadic weavers.

Materials.
Hand-spun sheep’s wool warp and weft. Colors are consistent with natural/early naturalized dyes (madder, indigo, undyed ivory, walnut/camel, and a soft cochineal/rose tone).

Handle & thickness.
Supple yet sturdy tribal handle; approximately 3–4 mm thick—easy to drape on a wall or use on the floor with a pad.

Technical Specifications

Type: Handmade soumak/flatweave kilim (no pile)

Origin: Shahsavan/Caucasian tribal work

Age: c. 1930–1950 (vintage)

Dimensions: 115 cm x 86 cm (approx. 45.3" x 33.9")

Weave density (soumak): ~ 60–80 wraps per square inch equivalent (soumak count; not knotted KPSI)

Materials: 100% hand-spun wool on wool

Dyes: Natural/early naturalized; visible abrash in blues and reds

Pile height: Flat (3–4 mm overall thickness)

Time to weave: ~ 2–4 weeks of loom time for an experienced weaver, not including wool prep & dyeing

Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. Several scattered small, old hand repairs and minor soumak breaks stabilized (see macro photos). Ends and sides intact; edges show typical nomadic finishing.

Authentic Shahsavan soumak with unmistakable tribal graphics

Mafrash panel format—works beautifully as a wall hanging or floor accent

Hand-spun wool & natural dyes with rich abrash

Compact, decorator-friendly size

One-of-a-kind, ethically sourced vintage textile

Care Instructions (Flatweave/Soumak)

Use a good rug pad to prevent movement and reduce wear.

Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar). Vacuum the back a few times a year.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and sun exposure.

Spot clean immediately with a dry white cloth; for deeper cleaning, use a specialist in hand-woven rugs—avoid steam or harsh chemicals.

If wall-hanging, use a sewn-on sleeve or Velcro strip; avoid pinning through the weave.

Where It Shines

Bohemian, eclectic, rustic, cabin, and global-modern interiors

Entryways, kitchens, home offices, and reading nooks

Gallery-style wall display to showcase the graphics and history



Every knotless wrap and color shift in this kilim tells a story of campfires, migration, and masterful hands. If you’d like, I can add hanging sleeves or a custom pad so it’s ready for your space. Questions welcome—zoom calls and extra photos available!