Storage Saddlebag 1649

A large handwoven nomadic tribal storage bag from Southeast Persia, dating to the early 20th century — a functional and beautiful artifact of the nomadic pastoral life of the Persian highlands. The Qashqai and other nomadic tribes of Southeast Persia used storage bags like this one to transport household goods, bedding, and food supplies during their seasonal migrations between highland summer pastures and lowland winter quarters — journeys that could cover hundreds of miles on foot and horseback.

This large-format bag can be converted into a generously-sized floor cushion by inserting a foam pad — bringing a piece of living Persian nomadic heritage into everyday domestic use in the most practical and beautiful way. The weaving tells a story of the nomadic world: the bold geometric designs and the quality of the wool reflecting the pride and skill of the artisan who created it. Tribal bags, bagfaces, and saddlebags represent some of the most intimate and personal textile objects ever made by the nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes of Persia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Created for daily functional use — carrying salt, spices, grain, tools, and household goods during seasonal migrations — these small weavings were nonetheless executed with extraordinary care and artistry. Today, freed from their original purpose, they are treasured as works of art: wall-mounted, displayed on tables, or repurposed as pillows — miniature windows into the weaving traditions of the tribal world.

Dimensions: 3' x 3' 8"

Date of Manufacture: Early 1900s

Place of Origin: SE Persia

Material: Wool on a wool foundation

Condition: Wear consistent with age and use

SKU: 1649