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Three eight-angular stars are represented
vertically on the cream-colored setting
of the carpet. The edges of two of the stars
are hooked. The stars are surrounded on four
sides by arrow-like elements. The holiness of
the number four is highlighted here. Humans
and the universe were created out of four ele-
ments. This means the four elements that are
the foundation for life to exist (air, water, earth,
fire), the four poles of the world (north, south,
east, west), directions (right, left, forward,
backward), and the seasons of the year (spring,
summer, fall, winter). It is not a coincidence
that the last four Tuesdays before the Novruz
holiday are named in this order as well.
The second major element is a “mafrash”
(catchall) element that is characteristic of
Gazakh carpets. Two four-angular elements
appear to be attached to each other and small,
square patterns are on both sides of the ma-
frash. Of the filler elements, “teberzin” or small
elements called weapon, horn, double horn (a
symbol of power and strength encountered
on faience dishes found in Mingachevir), tree
(symbol of life), and s-shaped elements (sym-
bols of water) lend the carpet strong meanings.
In addition, various hooked elements are de-
picted on the carpet. It is believed that these el-
ements were totems of Turkic tribes.
The complex composition of the middle field of the Guba car-
pet consists of ten medium-sized rapports shaped into a six-
angular star-medallion repeated consecutively.
Nine complete, eight incomplete, and ten six-angular star-medal-
lions are represented on the middle field of the carpet with a navy
blue setting. The stars are reminiscent of a star based on their loca-
tions.
An “alma” (apple) element is depicted inside of each medallion,
branches are represented on the four sides of this element, and ele-
ments called “toyugayagi” (chicken feet) are portrayed among the
branches.
Branch elements are similar to tree motifs and represent life.
There are s-shaped (symbol of water) and “damga” (stamp) ele-
ments on the incomplete medallions depicted along the edges of
the middle field. Small “alma,” star, and s-shaped elements are
seen among the medallions.
The border of the carpet is decorated with stylized star-like ele-
ments and geometric lines.
The depiction of tree and s-shaped water elements together as
a symbol of life is encountered often in the carpet weaving art of
Azerbaijan.
Carpet. “Ulduzlu Gazakh.” Wool. Pile
weave. 188x163. Early 19th century. Gazakh-
Borchali group. Azerbaijan. Metropolitan
Museum of Art. New York, USA.
Carpet. Wool. Pile weave. 180x120. 1880. Guba group.
Azerbaijan. Textile Museum. Washington, DC.