Plaited Wool, Neck Ropes and Decoration

These woven neck decorations are used by every horse owner and nomad in Turkmenistan to decorate their horses tie up their goats and even secure garments. The orange and white are typical of the colours used by the Turkmen. The will double up as a bridle, head collar and reins when required.

They can be commonly found and are very cheap. The sheep’s wool used is that of the Fat Tailed sheep, seen everywhere in Turkmenistan. They have pockets of fat either side of their tails which gives them an odd look.

Provenance: purchased at Tolkuchka Bazaar, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan for Private collector 1998 approx value $5.