Page 25 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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Azerbaijani carpets / GUBA GROUP
of slim lines or a head in the form of a triangle or other
extremities in line form are close to the most primitive
human depictions on pottery belonging to the pre-
Christian era. The tradition of weaving human images
on “Pirebedil” carpets of Guba coincides with the first
indications of idolizing fire.
The specific style depicting zoomorphic elements
woven on some Guba carpets is distinguished from
other styles. Ducks and doves are woven in realistic
forms. However, in classic “Garagashli” and “Zeyva”
carpets, bird depictions as main elements are depicted
as stylized abstract geometric forms.
The element known as “sajayagi,” woven in two par-
allel lines, is accepted as a symbol related to fire and
this symbol remains a keepsake until the present day.
But when this pattern and its versions are researched
carefully and comparatively, it appears that the base of
the “sajayagi” element was the bird element. It is nat-
ural that this motif has changed from its initial form.
They have been changed from real depictions into ab-
stract forms woven in various artistic styles depending
on the individual carpet masters. The subject of this
motif, whose head is woven clearly but whose neck
and body are woven using only outlines of straight
lines, is constant.
The bird depictions woven on “Garagashli” carpets
of Guba assume a sacred meaning. As a rule, a bird is
a symbol of the mystical world. A bird is the mediator
who takes human spirits to eternal life after death. In
this meaning, it is the envoy of the holy place and a
symbol of eternity. Carpets with this sacred motif were
only woven in small sizes according to tradition, since
they were used for praying.
Silk weaving. 17th century. Guba group.
Azerbaijan. From personal collection.
Shake out wool. Guba.