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Asmalyk, Yomut tribe, Central Asia, Turkmenistan
Weddings are a rite of passage in all cultures, and are often marked with elaborate celebrations. Traditionally in Central Asia the bride rode an elaborately adorned camel to the ceremony and to her new home. Asmalyks are camel decorations made specifically for wedding ceremonies. Made in pairs, one would be draped over each side of the bridal camel. They were woven by the bride, and are of the finest quality--allowing her to show off her weaving skills, a talent highly prized in Central Asia. They were woven to shape, having either five sides or seven sides. Most commonly they were woven in pile, but occasionally the designs were embroidered or made with felt. The pattern in the main field is a very common lattice pattern, called ashik. Very often they had white grounds and red designs, a color combination associated with fertility in many cultures. Wool; symmetric knots and asymmetric knots
Each month we will highlight a different textile from the Museum's collection. |
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