Kilim. From Balıkesir (N.W.-Anatolia). 18th or 19th century.
The design is typical for the (Türkmen) Yüncü tribe.

The rug is filled with ‘Koçboynuzu’ (Ram’s horn) motifs; they symbolise male fertility, male power and heroism. In the central panel they are arranged in the shape of a ‘Tree of Life’, which symbolizes the lifespan of a human being.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: ‘Anatolian Kilims’ – DÖSÍM - ‘Kültür Bakanlığı’/Ministry of Culture.
& ‘Kilim catalogue’ – Güran Erbek (DÖSÍM - Kültür Bakanlığı/Ministry of Culture).