TEXTILES
Syria
Floor cloth
19th century
Rib weave; Tapestry weave; Weft faced
Silk
89 x 78 in. (226.1 x 198.1 cm) overall
Harriet Tidball Collection
TC 77.7-414

This textile is probably from the Aleppo area and woven by nomadic weavers for village use. It has tribal design motifs but is made completely of silk, making it a very unusual piece. Used for special occasions, it was spread on the floor for dining. Because of this function, few examples survive.

-- Label copy for Along the Silk Road: Rugs and Textiles from Syria to China, February 7 to May 12, 2002.