WEST ANATOLIA, THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

This prayer rug is a characteristic example of Yuncu weaving. The Yuncu are a nomadic tribe who until recently lead a pastoral existence in the Bergama district of Northwest Anatolia. The rug has the red and blue palatte with silk and white cotton highlights, arrow extension or 'magic triangle' in the upper kilim, and bold archaic design that are typical of the group. For another related example see W. Bruggemann and H. Bohmer, Rugs of the Peasants and Nomads of Anatolia, Munich, 1983. pp. 272-273 and McMullan, Joseph V., Islamic Carpets, Near Eastern Art Research Center, New York, 1965, plate 119.