Gajari Flatweave Rug, Uzbekistan

Eleven feet of stripes, and no two seams agreeing entirely.

This gajari flatweave rug comes from Uzbekistan and dates to the early 20th century, woven in wool. Central Asian weavers made gajari by joining long, narrow strips into one large cloth, which suited small portable looms and served as floor covering or a bedding cover in the home. Bands of deep red and slate blue alternate with rows of small ivory and gold motifs, running the full width of the rug. Slight wobbles at the joins show the hand at work. Eleven feet long and more than six wide.

Nomads were packing light long before it was fashionable.