Yomut Main Carpet
Unknown Artist
first half 19th century
Medium
Wool (warp, weft); asymmetrically knotted pile
Dimensions
H. 110 in. (279.4 cm) W. 78 1/2 in. (199.4 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Rugs
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Joseph V. McMullan, 1973
Accession Number
1974.149.45
Art Historical Context
The *Yomut Main Carpet woven in the first half of the19th century, hails from the Yom Turkmen, a nomadic Turkic tribe Central Asia whose intricate textiles were essential to daily life and cultural identity. As a prime example of Islamic art, this large rug—measuring over 9 feet high and 6.5 feet wide—likely served as a central floor covering in a tribal tent, symbolizing status and craftsmanship. Acquired through the generous bequest of Joseph V. McMullan in 1973, it now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of textiles. Crafted from wool for both warp and weft, the carpet featu...