From ancient times through the early 20th century in the Near East, designs woven in to utilitarian objects were one expression of tribal identity.The bags, bands, covers, and rugs of each tribal group manifest identity through colors, iconography, and function.

We will look at weavings from four broad tribal groups – the Kurdish and Shahsavan tribes of northwest Iran, the major tribal confederations of southwest Iran, the Baluch and related tribes of northeast Iran and northwest Afghanistan, and the Turkmen tribes of western Central Asia. We will examine how styles differ by general geographic region, how specific objects reflect the way particular groups lived, and what we know and don’t know about the origins and meaning of some of the designs.

In addition to looking at slides of weavings and of tribal life, there will be some opportunity to handle and examine actual weavings. Further reading will be encouraged but not required.