Стр. 12 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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made by weavers from the villages of
Karagashli, Chichi, Giriz, Pirebedil,
Gonaghkand, and Zeyva were award-
ed prizes, with the first, second, and
third places awarded to carpets from
Pirebedil. Zibeyda Yarmammadova, a
carpet weaver who was distinguished
by her carpet, was awarded the first
place. Azerbaijani carpets including
Guba carpets are kept in different world
museums and personal collections. Al-
though far from their native lands, these
carpets have left deep traces in human
culture as rare pearls of folk art.
The classical carpets of the Guba
weaving school are distinguished by
their concise compositions. Some ob-
long carpets woven here are trimmed
with repeated motifs scattered in a
field. The pattern arrangement is differ-
ent on Guba carpets. These marvelous
patterns increase the emotional impact
of Guba carpets. The decorative motifs
of the carpets reflect the early religious,
mythological, and mystical beliefs of
Azerbaijanis. Just as carpets have their
own artistic conceptions, patterns also
have their own meanings and interpre-
tations. The carpets reflect the lively na-
ture of this place through the language
of colors and patterns; the mythological
symbols of good, sanctity, and protec-
tion against evil powers represented in
such patterns as “buynuz” (horn), “mi-
graz” (shear), vine leaves, flowers, “sa-
jayagi” (tripod), camel, fantastic birds,
dragon, and other motifs are repeated
around the gols and sometimes are repeated to cre-
ate a special harmony.
The patterns woven on the Guba carpets are geo-
metrical and ornamental with an artistic style. Be-
liefs, rites, myths, ancient scripts, philosophical
thoughts about the universe, prayers, and the popu-
lation’s way of life all inform the symbolic meaning
of the geometrical patterns. At present, the traces
of old Orkhon-Yenisey scripts arise out of genetic
memory and can be observed on Guba carpets.
Geometrical elements frequently met in the border
stripes such as x-shaped elements that express the
“D” sound in the old Turkish alphabet are found on
1. Carpet “Pirebedil.” Wool. Pile weave. 171x128. 1889. Guba group. Azerbaijan.
2. Carpet fragment. Wool. Pile weave. 17th century. Guba group. Azerbaijan.
3. Carpet “Zeykhur.” Wool. Pile weave. 193x140. 19th century. Guba group. Azerbaijan.
4. Carpet fragment. Wool. Pile weave. 17th-18th centuries. Guba group. Azerbaijan.
“Victoria and Albert” Museum. London.
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