Flatwoven Kilim bags such as this one were used centuries ago by the nomadic Turkic tribes of Central Asia. The bags were made in various shapes and sizes to hold everything from salt to liquids to household goods. Woven of a combination of camel hair and wool, this bag is from the Uzbek people. The weaving is spectacular—tight enough to hold water—with a clean, intricate pattern inside six horizontal bands. Called “ jabors” or ” juvals,” rectangular bags in this size were tied to the sides of camels or donkeys as carrying sacks, or were hung inside yurts to store household items. This particular weaving, heavily fringed and in excellent condition, may have been used to store clothing. In addition to its collectible value, it would make an attractive and interesting wall hanging. (See “Living with Decorative Textiles, Tribal Arts from Africa, Asia and the Americas,” by Nicholas Barnard, Thames and Hudson Ltd., London, 1989.) Dimensions, including fringe: height 24” (61 cm), width 22” (56 cm).