Hi Rusty,
I would say this is North West Iran, in and around the Kurdish areas. Very hard to pin point the origin as this piece is relatively modern and woven within the last 20-30 years, for the western market. The colours remind me of Goltoq near Senneh but it's definitely not of their weave technique.
The design is used among some of the tribes within this area and as far North as the Caucasus. This is not a tribal rug, due to the cotton foundation used within the piece, but a very charming village production using influences from all around this area.
You mentioned the animals around the borders, these are highly stylised peacocks which were used to influence purity and immortality within persian culture.
Be interesting to see if anyone else can define the origin.
Thanks for the post,
OrientalYarns
*Please note, my comments can only be used as a guide when given details from a photograph.
Kind Regards,
Stephen Saunders
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*All comments, opinions and views are my own unless stated or linked within my posts. All details provided via photographic evidence can only be used as a guide, unless the piece is in front of me for a full appraisal.