Vintage Graffiti-Like Tribal Felt

00438
Period
Circa 1950
Origin
Karapinar area, Central Anatolia
Materials
Wool
Status
Available
Size
150 cm x 107
4'11" x 3'6"

This vintage tribal felt speaks a primal language with its graffiti-like design. People created felts as one of the earliest woolen structures. Archaeologists found some of the oldest examples in Central Asian ‘kurgans’. These ancient felts featured various zoomorphic motifs typical of Siberian cultures.

Turkic invasions brought felt-making to Anatolia. There, diverse tribal groups refined this art. Nomadic communities around Konya used felts like this in their ‘yurts’. Crafters made these pieces from undyed wool. Tribes decorated tent walls and roofs with them, resulting in a variety of formats.

The design’s archaic quality transports viewers to the realm of contemporary abstract art. One might forget they’re looking at a functional object. Its primitive beauty connects ancient craft to modern aesthetics, bridging cultures and eras.

The versatility of this felt highlights the ingenuity of early artisans. It reminds us how creativity transcends time and place. This piece invites us to appreciate the artistic vision of diverse communities throughout history.

 

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