In weaving kilims, tribal women let their imagination soar, blending ancient motifs with personal expression. Often irregular in shape and colour, these heartfelt creations were not made for the market but for personal use—frequently as dowry items, later traded or passed down through generations.
For two years, starting circa 104BC, the Chinese army of Emperor Wu (156 – 87 BC) of the Han dynasty fought a battle with the Saka-ruled Greco-Bactrian kingdom that is known in history as "The Battle of Heavenly Horses". The Hans attacked westward after a dispute that followed an expedition to acquire the legendary Akhal-Teke horses from Sakas. The creatures were celebrated and mythicized in China for their beauty, speed, and sweating blood (Han Xu Ma: Sweat blood).
The expedition and the war initiated the eastern leg of the Silk Road.
Akhal-Teke horses are of Turkoman breed and remain one of the most valued horses.
Horse riding and horses are part of the Turkoman culture and are always a historical source of pride. Therefore it is not a surprise that Torkuman girls have woven some of the finest and most beautiful horse coverings like the one in this post.
The weaver of this fabulous collectable piece, a Teke Torkuman horse cover, Circa 1880s, has used an extraordinary level of skill with impeccable attention to detail to create this majestic dress for one of the finest horses in the land.
59249 . A silk shahasavan sumak. 100x141cm
