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nshah state. Since the bull was a symbol of the moon, its horns were represented
in the shape of a half-moon. The totem of the dragon is commonly observed on
Nakhchivan carpets depicting a mythic animal widespread in household life and
art of the people of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, as well as Siberia. The dragon is the
spirit of animal helping a person to be successful in life. The dragon is the symbol
of power, dexterity, intelligence, and prescience. In shaman ceremonies, it is be-
lieved that dragons always go forward and light the road. Ancient people believed
in the existence of dragons.
The main motifs seen in the general compositions of Nakhchivan carpets are di-
vided into five groups:
a) Butas. Buta, the most widespread pattern in Azerbaijani ornaments are repre-
sented on both pile and flat weave carpets. Buta in various forms have a consider-
able place in the carpet compositions of Nakhchivan carpets. In its artistic charac-
teristics, the “Shabalyt-buta” of Nakhchivan carpets differs from the buta motifs on
carpets of other regions.
b) Ketebe. Ketebe is used as a filler element in carpet composition. The oblong
ketebe represent various inscriptions, pictorial scenes, or ornaments with individ-
ual patterns.
Duz torbasi (salt bag). Wool. Flat weave. 1900.
Nakhchivan Group. Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani carpets / NAKHCHIVAN GROUP
1...,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78 80,81,82,83,84