SIGNED MAH PAREH, WEST PERSIA, CIRCA 1880

Following the word 'umila, 'made by' - a standard way of introducing a maker's name across the Islamic world - is the Persian name 'Mah Pareh Qamar'. Both 'Mah' and 'Qamar' mean 'moon', in Persian and Arabic respectively, though on its own 'Mah Pareh' is a relatively common Persian name. While most tribal rugs were woven by women, it is rare to find examples bearing a female name.