This rare antique Sanajabi saltbag is an exceptional piece of tribal craftsmanship, woven by the Sanajabi Kurdish tribe of West Iran. Saltbags, or namakdans, were traditionally used by nomadic peoples to store and carry salt—a valuable commodity—but were often made with great care and artistry, especially those woven as part of a dowry.

This piece is in remarkably good condition, suggesting it may have been woven for ceremonial or dowry purposes rather than everyday use. The presence of decorative pompoms around the edges—a feature typically reserved for dowry textiles—further supports this. These embellishments were used to indicate the pride and skill of the young maiden who wove it, and to impress the family she was marrying into.

The front panel is adorned with richly coloured lozenge motifs, symbolizing protection and fertility in tribal symbolism. The back is crafted in the traditional jijim weave, showcasing narrow multicoloured bands that reflect the regional aesthetic and technical prowess of the weaver.

Today, this Sanajabi saltbag stands as a remarkable collector’s item, representing a vanishing tradition of functional art in nomadic Kurdish culture. It would make a stunning wall hanging, museum-quality textile display, or a unique decorative accent in a globally inspired interior.

Key Features

• Origin: Sanajabi Tribe, West Iran

• Type: Antique saltbag (namakdan)

• Use: Traditionally used to store salt; now a collectible textile

• Material: Handspun wool with natural dyes

• Design: Lozenge motif front with pompom edges; traditional jijim-woven back

• Age: Antique

• Condition: Excellent for age – vibrant colours and intact structure

• Decorative Use: Wall hanging, framed textile art, collector’s display

Ideal For

• Tribal textile collectors

• Cultural and ethnographic enthusiasts

• Interior designers seeking statement pieces

• Bohemian, rustic, or eclectic decor schemes

• Museum and gallery curations