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Given the large numbers and tremendous
variations in Yomud-group chuvals, there have been several attempts
to distinguish sub-groups. One of the best-researched and most
widely known is a study in which the authors identify three clusters
of weavings which they label Eagle-gul groups I, II, and III.1
This chuval has the particular structural characteristics that are
unique to Group II – including pile that is woven with the
asymmetric knot open to the right.
Aside from the structural considerations, the design of this chuval
is striking. Despite much “sharing” of design elements within and
across Turkmen tribes, the combination of designs used here is
usually limited to Eagle-gul Group II chuvals. There are a number of
published examples.2
Most of these published pieces,
where the structural data is presented, share the major hallmarks of
Eagle-gul Group II weaving,3 although the first Elmby piece listed
below is symmetrically knotted.
Several aspects of the weaver’s handling of the design make the
current example stand out. The simple and well-drawn main guls are
visually balanced by a sizable and strong rendition of the chemche
minor gul. By comparison, the Rippon-Boswell example cited below has
slender, diminutive chemches that differ markedly from the graphic
impact of the major guls. The “running dog” minor border has very
archaic and appealing drawing, with few other examples – either
within the Eagle-gul Group II or elsewhere – executed as well. And
the large, botanical forms in the elem - to many the highlight of
this design - have particularly generous spacing and attractive
color. In the imprecise and sometimes controversial world of
Turkoman dating, this chuval would likely be placed no later than
early 19th century.
JA
1) Rautenstengel, A. and V., (with
Siawosch Azadi), Studien Zur Teppich-Kultur Der Turkmen,
Hilden, Germany, 1990
2) Rautenstengel and Azadi, plate 2;
Jourdan, Turkoman, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1989, plate 152;
Elmby, H., Antike Turkmenske Taepper III, Copenhagen, 1996,
plate 16; Rippon Boswell, 5/24/97 Auction, Lot 25; McMullan, J. &
Reichert, D., The George Walter Vincent and Belle Townsley Smith
collection of Islamic Rugs, Springfield (MA), undated, plate 64,
and probably the most similar example, Elmby, H., Antike
Turkmenske Taepper V, 2003, number 24
3) The aforementioned asymmetric open right
knotting, plus two weft shoots, with one being natural brown wool
and the other natural brown wool plied with white cotton.
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