Nomadic Legacy, Tents & Textiles of Central Asia and Iran -
Mingei Museum through June 14, 2009
by Valerie Justin, NY March 20, 2009
 NOMADIC LEGACY – Tents & Textiles of Central Asia and Iran
currently at the Escondido location of the MINGEI MUSEUM
boasts a really grand YURT. This Kyrgyz round trellis tent
built by the Osmonaliev family is not the ordinary yurt one would
come upon on the steppes of the Kyrgyz or near the Amu Darya River
with the Uzbeks. The organization of it is traditional; opposite the
entrance at the rear are stacked the flat-woven rugs, the storage
bags, bedding, all covered with a kilim. This is the focal point, in
front of which entertaining and dining takes place. Womens’ equipment for cooking and weaving and other tasks is on the right
after entering. Mens’ guns, ritual coffee makers, whatever is hung
on the left of the entrance.
The finely carved entrance of this fine yurt is unusual and the
presence of chiy (wool-wrapped reed screens) are unique to the
Kyrgyz among the pastoral nomads of this broad band of Asia.
The reed screens, which provide covering and decoration for the walls near
the entrance. were  provided by Dr. Fred and Stella Krieger of Los Angeles
as were some of the sumptuous ikat robes (see woman’s robe above) and
head gear. Other chapans and chalats. the most prized of which are in silk velvet,,were loaned by Dr. David Reisbord from his extensive collection. From Turkmenistan are a group of chyrpys; the embroidered outer garment of Turkmen women, worn high over the headgear and prescribed by color; a rich yellow for elderly women, white for married women and black for unmarried girls.
For all you bag collectors out there , this exhibit includes a wall of stunning saddle bags and bag faces, all
Persian. The one shown was donated by Alice and Leslie Orgel of La Jolla. It is
the front of a double bag, AFSHAR, late 19th c, wool knotted pile, goat hair tassels.
Location and more information: Mingei
International Museum, Escondido, California
Valerie Justin, Sag Harbor NY, March 20, 2009 - www.vanishingtextiles.com |
