Lot 379 AN ANTIQUE TURKMEN YOMUD SALT BAG (NAMARDAN)
Up for auction is a charming and rare rarity of Central Asian everyday culture: An antique Yomud salt bag (Namardan) from Turkmenistan, crafted around 1900. These bags were specifically made by nomads for transporting and storing rock salt. The distinctive T-shaped contour with its narrowed neck prevented the valuable contents from spilling out and protected them from moisture. The main field on a light, natural-colored ground captivates with a powerful, diagonal herringbone or wave pattern in vibrant terracotta red and deep indigo blue. A special and heartwarming highlight for collectors are the two small, stylized animal figures (zoomorphic representations) artfully woven into the two lower corners. The narrow neck of the bag is adorned with a delicate, geometric diamond and hourglass decoration. The object is in a remarkably good and complete state of preservation with a stable structure and crisp contrasts. Due to its sculptural form and fine tribal motifs, this salt bag is an excellent exhibition piece for collectors of Turkmen textile art and an extraordinary eye-catcher on any wall. • Condition: Good condition (very beautiful, authentic state of preservation without structural defects). • Dimensions (Metric): 50 by 40 cm.