Purple Group Tekke Ensi

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Tekke Ensi

This is a very rare member of the so-called Purple Group of Tekke weaving. It is very difficult to scan because the indigo candelabras seem to disappear on the purple madder background.

This Ensi is 4 by 4 foot 8 inches. Thompson in Turkmen tells us that Tekke Ensis became smaller through the 19th century. He then shows us the Dennis Dodds Tekke Ensi which is smaller than this and indicates that that is an earlier piece. Using that argument then this one should date to a period contemporary with or earlier than the Dodds Ensi (first half 19th century)This piece shares a number of similarities to the Dodds piece.

The Clipped Mihrab: Please note the top of the mihrab is terminated abruptly. This gives the illusion of a "clipped" mihrab or prayer niche. This is very rare in Tekke Turkmen Ensi. The Dodds Ensi has a clipped mihrab but to a lesser extent.

Structure: Asymmetrical knot open left. 9 knots per horizontal inch and 18 knots per vertical inch. 162 per square inch (2511 per square decimeter). moderately depressed. Three rows of symmetrical knots before the asymmetric open right knots of the field begin.

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply wool, white.

Weft: 2 ply wool 1 shot. brown.

Pile: 2 Wool singles.

Ends: Top folded over and stitched, bottom reduced, warp fringe.

Selvages: 2 sets of 2 warp units wrapped in blue wool.

Further Notes: Supple rich velvety texture. Incredible wool quality.

Tekke Edge Knots

Here we see an edge, the first row is a two warp unit selvage overcast in blue wool which is rather traditional. Next to that is three rows of symmetrical knots before the asymmetric open right knots of the field begin.

There is similar example of symetrical edge knots in a Teke Ensi in Mallett, Marla. Woven Structures 2.81 Page 53. Symetrical edge knots are more stable than asymetrical knots. They are seen in son Cental Asian rugs especially Tekkes and in some Chinese carpets. Yomut and Saryk may have overlapping symetrical edge knots.