Kilim aux dromadaires de Gafsa

Southwest Tunisia, early 19th century Large, extremely fine weave of polychrome wools decorated with geometric bands and stylized dromedaries. Condition: wear and small chips. Size: 217 x 232 cm. Gasfa kilims are woven using the dovetail technique, which makes them finer and more supple to handle. Their motifs often incorporate rows of figurative figures and camel trains flanked at the top and bottom by rows of panels and geometric bands (Alastair Hull and Jose Luczyc-Wyhowska, Kilim, The Complete Guide, London, 1993, p. 95). A good example is illustrated by Clive Loveless in Hali 89, November 1996, p.119, which features a train of camels above and below a central row of square decorative panels. The present lot features a wide variety of colors and patterns. A Gafsa kilim with camel trains flanked above and below with rows of geometric panelling and banding South West Tunisia, early 19th century