Salt Bag - Baktiari, SW Persia

Salt Bag - Baktiari, SW PersiaSalt Bag, Baktiari, SW Persia Wool with cotton highlights. Typical drama of Baktiari weavers. Diamond shapes such as we see here symbolise fertility in many tribal weavings. When a failed crop or a barren sheep could spell disaster, such expressions of hope are deeply understandable. Salt bags were used by shepherds to carry salt for their sheep when out grazing. They are intricate and powerfully artistic expressions by the weaver, usually women. In

Salt Bag, Baktiari, SW Persia

Wool with cotton highlights. Typical drama of Baktiari weavers. Diamond shapes such as we see here symbolise fertility in many tribal weavings. When a failed crop or a barren sheep could spell disaster, such expressions of hope are deeply understandable. 

Salt bags were used by shepherds to carry salt for their sheep when out grazing. They are intricate and powerfully artistic expressions by the weaver, usually women.

In one of the best books on the subject, Parviz Tanavoli, renowned collector, artist and sculptor, says: “These practical objects are steeped in folkloric narratives and myths, each a unique expression of their makers. Mainly woven by women, the bags are used by shepherds to carry salt for their livestock while grazing. Not only are the traditional bags a reflection of the material culture of the tribes of the Persiaian Plateau, they also signify the deep social significance salt has held since prehistoric times. Like bread, the concept of salt permeates Persiaian culture both historically and today through many sayings, proverbs, rituals, and social interactions” 

Size: 65 x 57 cm