The Dr. Jon Thompson Ak Yup Tent Band


The Dr. Jon Thompson Ak Yup Tent Band
 The Dr. Jon Thompson Ak Yup Tent Band
A Yomud Turkmen Tent Girth (Ak Yup)

Turkmenistan 18th or 19th Century, smoked, small holes, minor moth damage, water stains, side finishes added. Approximately 45fi. 5 in. by Ft. 2 in. (13.85 m. by 0.36 m.)

The tent girth literally prevents the tent from collapsing. Functional bands are 40 to 55 feet long and flat-woven. The Turkmen also make a decorative ceremonial type of band with a design in pile on a white cotton ground. Such bands are used to decorate guest tents and wedding tents. They run high up around the outside of the framework beneath the felts, with the pile facing inwards so that the pattern is visible to the occupants of the tent.
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