19TH C. CAUCASIAN TALISH PRAYER RUG

I also collect antique rugs, and this is part of my collection.  Pile weavings are the most undervalued form of art.  For a fraction of what one would pay for a painting or sculpture, one can buy the best rug imaginable, which can hold its own against anything as a work of art.  They were all done by women, and the value of a wife was greatly determined by her weaving ability.  They served many different functions, both ceremonial and functional.  They were storage bags, rugs, tent bands, doors, and dowry/wedding pieces.  This was a prayer rug.  They have a mihrab, the archlike design which is pointed toward Mecca.  Caucasian rugs are among the most sought after, for their strong colors and tribal designs.  The Talish are (quoted from J. Barry O'Connell):  "The Talish live along the Caspian coast south of the Viliazh-Chai River". The Talish are Shia Muslim. Ethnologue: Azerbaijan - Talish. The Talish are on both sides of the Azerbaijan-Iran border. The Talish were a major Kizilbash tribal confederation."   This rug measures 38" x 55", and has all natural dyes. It has wear down to the knots.  It is not a rug for the floor; it should be hung.  I have several hanging in my current apartment.  $1500