Turkmen Soumak Bag 2329

This exceptional 19th-century Turkmen Chuval camel bag is a rare and beautifully preserved example of Central Asian nomadic textile artistry. Woven by Turkmen tribes along the ancient Silk Road, chuvals were large storage bags designed to be strapped across camel saddles, carrying treasured household goods as families migrated across the steppe. Their scale and durability also allowed them to serve as floor cushions inside traditional Turkmen tents.

The face of this Chuval is executed in a finely woven soumak technique, distinguished by its intricate, slightly raised weft wrapping that creates rich texture and visual depth. The striking vertical geometric motif, rendered in ivory and brown against a deep dark red field, reflects a sophisticated tribal aesthetic that is both rhythmic and architectural. The reverse and structural body of the bag are flatwoven in kilim, offering strength while maintaining the textile’s elegant flexibility.

Today, antique chuvals like this are highly sought after as tribal wall art, bringing warmth, history, and global character and offer a powerful visual statement rooted in nomadic heritage and 19th-century craftsmanship.

Dimensions: 30 " x 41"

Date of Manufacture:  4th Quarter of the 1800s

Place of Origin: Turkmenistan, Central Asia

Material:  Wool pile on a cotton foundation with vegetable dyes

Condition:  Good

SKU: 2329

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