5′ 4″ x 6′ 8″ A late 1800s Caucasian Soumak from the Southern Caucasus region consists of a collection of three main medallions. The vegetable dyes used in this Caucasian Soumak have developed beautiful hues in this masterpiece of village weaving from the 1800s. Soumak (also spelled Soumakh, Sumak, Sumac, or Soumac) is a tapestry technique of weaving strong and decorative textiles used as rugs and domestic bags. Baks used for bedding are known as Soumak Mafrash. Soumak is a type of flat weave, somewhat resembling but more robust and thicker than kilim, with a smooth front face and a ragged back, whereas kilim is soft on both sides. Soumak lacks the slits characteristic of kilim, as it is usually woven with supplementary weft threads as continuous supports. The technique involves wrapping colored weft threads over and under the warp threads, adding strength and an embroidery-like pattern Dimensions: 5’ 4” x 6’ 8” Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: Caucasus Material: Wool pile on a wool foundation Condition: Wear consistent with age and use