Saddle Cover last quarter 19th century Elaborate caparisons, or ornamental coverings for horses and camels, are an essential part of almost every nomadic art tradition. Textiles were often designed to cover leather saddles. Some examples, including this one, feature side panels to provide cushioning for the riders thighs. The floral motifs, rendered in a naturalistic style, are characteristic of Bakhtiari tribal works. Also common among Bakhtiari carpets is the symmetrically knotted pile technique the weaver used here.. Saddle Cover. last quarter 19th century. Wool (warp, ground weft, and pile); symmetrically knotted pile. From Western Iran, Bakhtiari tribe. Textiles-Rugs