122-123 / 168
120
121
A
khorjin
is a saddlebag that is hung over the back
of an animal; the word
khor
refers specifically to a
donkey, as these animals are widely used for carrying
goods in these areas. Bags, in various shapes and sizes
were an important part of nomadic life. They were
used to carry and store a range of possessions from
dry food products to meat, clothing and footwear.
The wealth and status of a family was often judged by
the number of bags they owned, many of which came
into a family with a bride’s dowry. As a result of this
importance placed on them, these bags were often
extremely well woven and finely detailed.
The present lot is a saddlebag made by the same
woman who wove the yellow and red silk scarves
seen in lots 52 and 53. The technique is similar, as are
the designs she has used, especially the recurrence of
the diamond motif.
Baloch boy with a stack of
khorjin
,
Iran, 1972
69
NOMADIC SADDLEBAG
KALAT-E NADERI, KHORASAN,
IRAN, CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven
cotton warp, wool weft, natural
dyes
60 x 63.5 in (153 x 162 cm)
$ 2,275 - 3,790
Rs 1,50,000 - 2,50,000
Qashqa'i migration near Abadeh, Iran