Antique Saharan Tuareg Mat, 1890s

Details

Description

These mats were used by the Tuareg nomads in the Saharan desert, between Mali and Mauritania. They were made by … Read more These mats were used by the Tuareg nomads in the Saharan desert, between Mali and Mauritania. They were made by weaving long strips of camel leather, dyed with natural colors, together with thin slats of palm wood—the only materials available in the vast sandy expanses. The leather was dyed using vegetable and mineral pigments before the weaving process, with the option of being refreshed with use of wax after long use.

These handcrafted mats were used both inside the tents and at their entrances, serving as excellent insulators against the sand. Moreover, they could be easily rolled up and transported during the Tuareg’s constant migrations.

The decorative patterns, of ancient origin, reflect their deep cultural heritage: their simplicity and lack of ornamentation embody the archaic nobility of these proud nomadic warriors.
The mat we have on offer originates from a collection that was acquired at Altai Gallery in Milan, a high-end gallery specialized in antique rugs and tapestries.

Materials: Palmwood, leather

Origination: Mauritania, end of 19th century, with certificate of authenticity

Condition: Good, re-conditioned by Altai gallery (invoice present). The mat has beautifully patinated over time, incomparable with newer mats. See less