My mother gave me one of her "oriental" rugs. it is about 3 by 5 feet. It was one of several given to her by a Saudi back in the 1980s. He said it was an antique. I believe the white background areas are silk. I had the impression in the 80s that it was valuable, as they were given in an attempt to hide assets in a divorce.

I am trying to determine where it's from, and from about what era, and if it's hand or machine made. An approx value would be greatly appreciated, as it's in need of some repair (worn fringe and worn white areas) and a good cleaning, and I am trying to decide if it's worth repairing.

overview. I was standing on right side, sorry for distortion, it is a rectangle, not a trapezoid.
http://i1185.photobucket.../benedita1/IMG_2145.jpg


front view, detail, white silk? area, not worn


front view, detail white silk(?) area, badly worn



front view, close up of wool


back


back, detail of fringe & knotting



the inclusion of animals in the design seems unusual, does this help identify the region of origin?


There are a few more detail photos in the photobucket album http://s1185.photobucket...m/albums/z355/benedita1

In addition, I was wondering if anyone had opinions on shipping the rug back to the near east for repair. I am in NYC, so there are repair shops here too. not really sure how to evaluate the value of domestic or foreign repair...

I would really appreciate any assistance or advice you could offer.

Thanks!

Thank you for the suggestion!
The pile that's worn down is definitely silk (I burnt a strand, and it smelled like burnt hair). I think the rest is wool.

I brought it to Hayko, a specialist in NYC, for cleaning.
He says it's a persian design but a Kashmir from India, between 50 to 30 years old. He says the silk could be repaired, but it would be costly (a few thousand) and not worth it as it's not a valuable antique.
He's going to do a little fringe repair to prevent it from unraveling. He also suggested I use it as a wall hanging, and is going to prepare it with a sewn on backing strip with a dowel pocket.

Is there anything that may be another clue as to it's origin?
I could live with doubt, but it would be nice to know if only for my homeowner's policy.

Thanks again!