Turkmen Chuval or Large Storage Bag

Eight guls, three rows of border, and a tassel at the corner.

Turkmen weavers of Turkmenistan made this chuval, a large storage bag, in wool in the 20th century. Chuvals were commonly woven to hang inside tents and hold household goods, and their repeated gul motifs are often associated with specific tribes. Here two rows of rounded octagonal guls in cream and navy sit on a deep red field. A narrow geometric border surrounds them, and the lower end is a band of fine small diamonds. A braided tassel hangs from the upper corner.

Red as a good wine, and meant to be hung. Treat it as a small rug with a past.