Antique Ersari Turkoman Main Carpet, 5'6 x 7'8, Turkmenistan, Amu Darya region, probably of the third quarter of the nineteenth century. Wool pile on wool foundation with goat hair warps. All natural dyes. The condition is fair, many areas of nice lustrous pile, albeit low, but some areas of wear as well (see photos). This is a relatively early piece, as is apparent from the quatrefoil scrolls at the centers of the 'guls' or octagon medallions, as well as from the simple border system, with a saw tooth vinescroll main border surrounded only by barber pole guard stripes.That this is the original border system is clear from the top end where areas of the kilim skirts are still preserved. Also indicative of age is the relatively small size, the nice green blue and small areas of yellow, and above all the use of ivory or white quarters in alternate medallions. Almost all pile areas preserved except for one barber pole guard strip at lower end. Selvedges redone. One slit in the lower right corner. Still has lots of presence despite the wear,