An Uzbek Namprash Bag Face

The Uzbek Lakai bag face measures 16 inches by 40 inches. All hand done in needlepoint and in excellent condition. The piece is called a bag face, as it is the front a sleeve or bag that was faced with calico or some other lesser textile. Often these bags were used to transport items from homes in nomad tribal families, such as mirrors or religious items needing protection. When the backing of the bag was discarded, the fronts were still used as covering for niches, or cupboards, as they were the prized decorative elements.