Important Notice

SUKHANDARYA, CENTRAL ASIA, CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven wool, natural dyes
68.5 x 147 in (174 x 374 cm)


This large jajim is made from nine equal pieces stitched together along the selvedge. It is edged along the lengths with black and white wool to keep the fabric strong and taut. Woven by women, it was probably used as a spread or cover in tents by the nomadic pastoralists who lived in these areas. Designed in alternating stripes the pattern is an ancient form of a galloping horse. The animal was crucial to the nomadic way of life and this jajim could, in a sense be paying homage to the horse.

In 1996, Jasleen Dhamija was working in Kashka-Dariya, Uzbekistan, when she attended the traditional celebration of Buzkashi, literally 'goat grabbing' in Persian. It refers to a rough game, said to be the origins of polo, where expert horsemen speared a goat or calf carcass and fought their way to the goal with it. During this game, the winner was presented with a car and this jajim. The winner later sold the jajim to Jasleen.

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