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“Sumakh” carpets were created later than
other types of flat weave carpets. Different
rich and stylized floral motifs, as well as large
six-angular square and rhombic geometric ele-
ments lend the “sumakh” carpets special beau-
ty. Large medallions in different forms tradi-
tionally dominate on Guba “sumakh” carpets.
Medallions stretch along the width of the car-
pet in the dark background of the middle field.
Empty areas among the main elements and in
the inside of medallions are filled with geomet-
ric and floral elements.
The decorative elements of this “sumakh”
are geometric figures. Large eight-angular stars
are represented inside the eight-angular “gyol”
(medallion). Stars and other celestial bodies or
their symbols reflect ancient religious beliefs in
worshipping celestial bodies.
Rhombic elements are represented on and
among the corners of the stars. These elements
are evil eye catchers engraved on carpets in or-
der to protect from evil eyes. Another pattern
depicted in the corners of the stars is an oblong
element with hooked tips and edges known as
“pagon” by Guba carpet weavers. The most no-
ticeable among the filler elements used on the
middle field is the “alma” (apple) element. In
general, Guba carpet weavers call all round ele-
ments “alma.”
Other filler elements with different corners
including stars, forks, and animals were also
employed. Some of the elements depicted on
“sumakh” flat weave carpets, including animal
images, were taken from pile weave carpets.
The gyol are separated from one another by
hooked elements. The middle field of the “su-
makh” is surrounded with hooked elements.
These elements are also called “meander.”
The borders are also enriched with cross-like
and stylized flower and leaf elements.
On the carpet’s green middle field, along the rapports, six
rows of eight-angular geometric “gyol” (medallion) are
represented vertically; three rows of eight-angular geometric gyol
are placed horizontally. Four-petal flowers are depicted inside the
gyol.
Horn elements with stepped edges are depicted between the
rows of the gyol. Horned animals used to be considered holy dur-
ing ancient times in Central Asia, the Near East, and Azerbaijan.
The horned animals at first represented different thoughts and
symbols in connection with agriculture and harvest, then they
became totems, and finally were seen as astronomic conceptions.
Horns have been a symbol of manhood, bravery, and courage since
ancient times. Horn images are often encountered on carpets of an-
cient Turkic nations, wood, and felt products. Horn images have
lost their initial meanings in modern times and currently have only
ornamental-decorative importance.
Another element decorating the inside of the middle field and
the gyol is called an “ojag” (fireplace). This element is the symbol
of wood logs placed atop each other to make a fire. Elements such
as nets or windows, birds, trees, and other unidentified shapes are
employed in the decoration of this carpet as well.
The border of the carpet consists of horn and fireplace elements
depicted between zigzag-like lines. The elements depicted here
have deep philosophical meanings that reflect life.
Sumakh. Wool. Flat weave. 19th century.
259x180. Guba group. Azerbaijan. Metropoli-
tan Museum of Art. New York, USA.
Carpet. Wool. Pile weave. 390x174. 19th century. Guba group.
Azerbaijan. Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, USA.