Page 38 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

The main motifs of this carpet of navy blue background represent
dragons positioned around palmettos. Dragon elements characterizing
the carpets of Karabakh as well as tender curvilinear figures and small-
sized delicate plant elements were changed to become more stylized
and geometric.
Uniting with the palmettos, the dragons on this carpet have become
a common motif: the medallion. Ordinary people identify such
medallion-like motifs as baga (tortoise). The baga elements woven on
the carpets of Azerbaijan are considered not only as one of the most
archaic elements, but also as a kind of ancient totem. The history of
these elements dates back to prehistoric times. The baga elements are
interpreted as symbols of longevity and signify savior in Azerbaijan
and the East.
Dragon elements are interpreted by people as a
symbol of fire, water, strength, and might.
Octagonal star elements and filler figures of different sizes are
woven in the field of the carpet. On the right and left sides of the
field, images of men, women, and children attract attention. The main
border of the carpet is decorated with small-sized geometric elements,
while the guard stripes are filled with plant elements and images
called mollabashy.
The carpet was woven using handmade threads of high quality,
colored with natural dyes.
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