Description
Manastir Prayer Kilim
Balkans, circa 1900
Wool on a cotton foundation
130 × 60 cm
A rare Manastir prayer kilim, probably woven around the turn of the twentieth century. Its long, narrow format is articulated by horizontal bands in deep red, indigo blue, green, ivory and golden yellow. Rows of small, angular motifs divide the field, while a stepped triangular form at one end discreetly indicates the direction of prayer.
The cotton foundation supports the proposed dating. Areas of wear corresponding to the position of the worshipper’s feet provide compelling evidence of prolonged devotional use.
Small loose threads remain visible on the reverse. These appear to be original and may have served a practical purpose, distinguishing the back from the ritually clean face upon which prayer was performed.
The kilim has several areas of damage and loss, most noticeably in the lower part of the field and along the ends, but it has no repairs or restoration. Despite these condition issues, it retains strong colours and an unusually intimate character, with its wear recording the manner in which it was originally used.
