Antique Tekke Turkmen 'ak' chuval face with a banded design in mixed techniques. Size: 3ft 10in x 2ft 5in (117 x 73cm). Circa 1870. Chuval are storage bags used by the Turkmen nomads for the storage of personal items inside the yurt and also for the transport of goods on the backs of camels or horses. They were usually woven in pairs. 'Ak' translates to white; these chuval are associated with weddings and formed part of the brides dowry, they were prized possessions and passed down through the family. This example is of classic design with white decorated bands in pile and flatweave on a madder red ground, the large white elem panel at the base is decorated with the traditional Turkmen trees. The chuval face is in good condition with some wear and a few spots of historic damage / repair. The chuval would once of had a plain weave back, this has been removed. Stock Number: d-1374.