Ensi Hatchlu

Knotted by a semi-nomadic weaver of the Ersari tribe of North Afghanistan from the region of the small settlement of Kundoz which has for long been a gathering place for major groups of the tribe, this highly traditional item employs the classic hatchli, or ensi, composition of the Ersari and other Turkoman nomads, indicating the rug was created for specific use over the threshold entrance of the Ersari yurt, or conically-roofed tent. The central cruciform design known as the hatchli-cross pattern holds ancient symbolic significance for the tribe, serving as an amuletic device to protect all who are invited to enter the family yurt. A most interesting and attractive Kundoz hatchli, for the collector of authentic tribal knotting art.