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O'Bannon exhibit offers glimpse of nomadic Turkoman culture
Tightly woven strands of wool and animal hair were necessary to protect against harsh desert climate -- hot, dusty days, frigid nights -- in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
But it is the intricate beauty, rich colors and unique artistry that has enabled these items to survive centuries of conflict and emerge as a globally traded commodity.
"These items are functional and beautiful," says Kristen Rockwell, owner of O'Bannon Oriental Carpets in Squirrel Hill, where antique textiles, carpets, bags, coats and hats are on exhibit. "Over the years, they have been made for use in the home, sold in markets or included in a dowry. They were used for transport during nomadic migrations or for storage and decoration within tents between journeys."
"Turkoman Tribal Carpets and Traditions," which runs through July 26, includes more than a dozen pieces from private collectors who were inspired by the late George W. O'Bannon, founder of the Squirrel Hill gallery. The pieces were woven by the Turkoman tribes, who inhabit the lands between northwestern China and the Caspian Sea.
O'Bannon, who served in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan during the '60s and '70s, was a scholar, writer, lecturer and adventurer who taught an entire generation to appreciate the beauty of carpets and textiles. The exhibit, which features work from four of the five major tribes, is dedicated to his memory.
"Turkoman carpets were his specialty," says Rockwell, who bought the business in 1999. "What we have here are very fine examples in terms of age, color and artistry."
Turkoman bags and carpets are distinguished by an incredibly fine weaving technique and rich, red color. They are also among Rockwell's favorites.
"This was the first group I started to study," she says. "I love the colors and patterns. I think it's fascinating."
The woven textiles in the show display the skill and artistry applied to simple utilitarian objects. Women of the tribes typically wove each bag or carpet for a particular use:
= A juval is a large tent bag.
= A khorjin is a saddle bag.
= A chinakap is a cylindrical bag.
"These people moved around a lot," Rockwell says. "They moved with their animals to find better grasslands, so they needed to move their belongings."
Women also labored to create a work of art through the use of superbly dyed wool, hand-spun yarn and complex geometric patterns that signified a particular tribe's identity -- all of which required great skill at the loom.
"Each tribe had its own gul, or design, for means of identification so they could tell whether someone was a friend or foe," Rockwell says. "It's similar to the European coat of arms."
The exhibition at O'Bannon provides an opportunity to compare the different styles of weaving side by side. The show includes two ensi, or door panes; rugs; two torbas, or small bags; and three juvals, or large tent bags.
"The designs set the families apart in terms of wealth and skill," Rockwell says.
While "Turkoman Tribal Carpets and Traditions" is a true aficionado's exhibit, the novice collector and casual visitor can appreciate these beautiful artifacts. Several of the textile pieces are for sale, but Rockwell says the main goal of the exhibit is educational.
"My hope in doing this is to open people's minds to other parts of the world," she says. "I usually have to have maps with exhibits like this."
Although recent events have familiarized more people with that part of the world, Rockwell says there is still much misunderstanding.
"I remember several months ago, someone told me they didn't want to see anything from Afghanistan," she says.
The current collection reflects the beauty and artistry of a culture and features universal commonalities. It is not, as Rockwell points out, the Taliban or Saddam Hussein.
"No matter what country you come from, your home is your sanctuary and you want it to be beautiful and comfortable," she says. "These are the weavers, not the warriors."
| 'Turkoman Tribal Carpets and Traditions' |
