A particularly large Tuareg éseber mat or rug, dating from the 1950s and constructed from woven palm reeds and naturally dyed leather.
Measuring almost five metres in length, the rug has an impressive architectural presence. The surface is divided into broad longitudinal fields by narrow bands of dark leather, within which a series of simple cross-shaped geometric motifs are arranged. Two larger stepped motifs occupy the central field, surrounded by smaller crosses, creating a remarkably restrained and balanced composition.
Éseber mats were traditionally made by Tuareg communities of the Sahara from locally available plant fibres and leather. Rather than being woven in the conventional manner of a woollen rug, closely arranged reeds are bound together with narrow strips of leather, while additional dyed leather is used to create the decoration and strengthen the structure. Historically, these large mats had a practical role within Tuareg tent...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Mid-Century Modern Reed Furniture