The entire tent band - nearly 40 feet long is made of the same image. While it is the main feature, and therefore not small, the entire band is only 4 cm wide. This was probably a yurt roof band according to Jim Blackmon,the seller.
Best regards,
Marvin

I own a very similar band as Marvin’s one. It’ a warp faced band measuring about 120cm x 5cm. This band is actually mounted on an ivory cotton background and as you can see it gives a marvelous effect.

Like Marvin I like its simplicity: Red knotted "S" motifs with white highlights are tied all along the band creating a charming contrast against the dark blue ground.

At each end there is about 40cm without "S" motifs. They are replaced by small rectangular red devices similar to those seen in Woven Structure picture 8.35 which are woven with inlaid brocading.

At each end there are two long braids and one end was pulled through the other when this band was in use. So I am thinking it is camel or a horse band and not a yurt roof band.

I don’t know what’s its origin but considering the color palette and its structure I would guess it is a Turkmen band.

Oh Yes, let us come back to the topic of this Salon.

I bought it because I love the way the silky wool reflects the light. Reds appear dark red or pinkish red according to the way the knots are oriented and the way they reflect the light.

Difficult to find a smaller stuff than light reflection.

Best,

Daniel

The 3 cm wide handle is a probably later-affixed piece of plain warp faced weave of cotton with a design similar to the tent bands you and Daniel have shown; the "S" motif. Both of your bands appear to have the "S" motif pile woven.

I suppose the handle was woven with some other original purpose, perhaps as a pack animal band or even yurt band, but found another use. The bag itself is of wool, double-interlocked tapestry construction and 20 x 30 cm, quite small for a salt bag. It is not all that old, but livens the wall with its disjointed, stilted design.

I post it here because of the similarity in pattern to your bands and also to add some credence to your atrribution of Uzbek, due to the fact that this band of similar design is actually attached to an Uzbek artifact.

Patrick Weiler

Two very good questions.
The bag is of sheeps wool with "goat hair" threads tying the two sides together. The handle is of cotton.
This does not necessarily imply a different original use of the two, though, but would one not think a weaver would use the same materials for the same object?
Also, from the photos I have seen of weavers making these narrow straps, they seem to all be of quite a length. Maybe they make a long length and use it for various purposes. Maybe there is a division of labor, with one woman making the strap and another making the bag, or one may be made in one season and the other in another season when, say, cotton is available. (Again, these are merely speculations)
And the most conclusive reason is that a dealer said so. (not Jim Blackmon, though) They wouldn't say it if it weren't true.

As for the attribution, the book Kilim, The Complete Guide, points in that direction. Definitely Afghan, Most likely Uzbek, possibly Maimana or Tartari, but also possibly any other number of tribes could have woven it. If anyone would care to hazard a specific guess, it would be most welcome.

Patrick Weiler

Your point about things being re-used for various purposes is one that people often forget. A worn tent band would probably have lots of pieces in good enough shape to be used for handles on bags, belts, and so forth.

I've seen at least two soumak khorjin in which the backs had been repaired by sewing in old socks.

Regards,

Steve Price