KUBA REGION, EAST CAUCASUS, CIRCA 1880

Flat-woven rugs by means of weft-wrapping or "soumac" were predominantly woven in the eastern Caucasus including the northern part of Kuba and the southern part of Dagestan. The ascending design on the present runner comprises a central row of medallions and extended hooked split palmettes which has been interpreted by some to signify the 'tree of life', while others draw on the reference to the historic 'dragon' and 'large blossom' rugs of the Caucasus, (A. Boralevi, Sumakh, Florence, 1986, pp.78-9, pl.24). What is clear, is that this finely executed, openly arranged soumac has some age and was executed by an experienced weaver who confidently worked with both wool and ivory cotton which punctuates the design against the inky blue background. Comparable compositions can be found in Bijov pile rugs and sumakhs. The decoration of the three-band border suggests that this soumac was probably made in the surroundings of Zeikhur.