A Rare and Complete 19th-Century Turkmen Tekke Saddlebag: A Masterpiece of Tribal Weaving

At The Persian Knot Gallery, we are proud to offer a rare and exceptionally preserved 19th-century Turkmen Tekke double saddlebag (khorjin)—a striking example of Central Asian nomadic artistry from the late 1800s.

Woven by the Tekke Turkmen tribes, this textile reflects the deep cultural heritage and technical finesse of tribal weavers. The front of the saddlebag features wide vertical bands in rich hues of dark red, brown, and black, contrasted beautifully by narrow ivory stripes filled with complex geometric motifs. These symbols are not merely decorative—they echo centuries of tradition, tribal identity, and spiritual meaning.

What sets this particular piece apart is its remarkable completeness. Both the original pile panels and the flatwoven kilim back remain fully intact, an uncommon find in tribal textiles of this age. The back panel, rendered in a soft ivory-yellow palette, showcases understated horizontal banding that balances the bolder front design. This preservation of form and structure adds substantial ethnographic value to the textile, enhancing its appeal to both collectors and scholars of nomadic culture.

Historically, such khorjins were used by Turkmen nomads to transport goods during their seasonal migrations across the steppes of Central Asia. These utilitarian objects, designed for life on the move, were also expressions of personal and communal identity—woven with care, dyed with organic plant-based pigments, and intended to last generations.

Today, these bags are no longer in daily use, but they are highly prized as collectible tribal textiles. Whether mounted as wall art, displayed in a gallery setting, or integrated into a thoughtfully designed interior, this saddlebag serves as a tactile narrative of nomadic life, beauty, and resilience.

With its fine wool pile, organic vegetable dyes, and masterful craftsmanship, this antique Turkmen saddlebag is a standout piece for those who appreciate authentic tribal art, historic textiles, and the soul of traditional weaving.

Explore this piece and more exceptional antique tribal textiles in our Saddlebag and Bagface Collection at The Persian Knot Gallery—where every rug and textile tells a story.