This horse cover was woven by one of the nomadic tribes of southern Iran, in the province of Kirman. Although the Turkic-speaking Afshar tribe often receives credit for the many excellent weavings from this region, other tribes in this area also weave, including the Buchaqchi, who have received little recognition in the textile field. The two flaps at the front are designed to be joined together across the horse’s chest, while the main part is draped across the back to hang down on both sides, covering the flanks. This horse cover is a particularly joyous example of nomadic work using the weft-wrapping technique called soumak and is a type of weaving that, sadly, is no longer produced.

Horse cover
Central Asia, Uzbekistan
18th or 19th century
Wool; weft wrapping (soumak)
Judy Brick Freedman
Photo by Don Tuttle Photography

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