Page 22 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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of Garagashli, Chichi, Giriz, Pirabadil, Gonagkand, and Zeyva were awarded prizes, with the first,
second, and third places awarded to carpets from Pirabadil. 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. Although 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 oblong carpets woven here are trimmed with repeated motifs scattered in a field. The pattern
arrangement is different 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 interpretations. The carpets reflect the lively nature of this place through the language
of colors and patterns; the mythological symbols of good, sanctity, and protection against evil powers
represented in such patterns as “buynuz” (horn), “migraz” (shear), vine leaves, flowers, “sajayagi”
(tripod), camel, fantastic birds, dragon, and other motifs are repeated around the gols and sometimes
as repeats and create especial harmony.
The patterns woven on the Guba carpets are geometrical and ornamental with an artistic style. Be-
liefs, rites, myths, ancient scripts, philosophical thoughts about the universe, prayers, and the popula-
tion’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. Geo-
Fragment of Carpet. Wool. Pile weave. 1800-1850. Guba group. Azerbaijan.
“Victoria and Albert” museum. London.