Page 26 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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It is possible to see the bird element with the same
subject at the ends of gols woven in “Zeyva” car-
pets. When attentively examining the gol consisting
of sidestepped projections, it is clearly seen that in
each projection the stylized form of a bird’s head
has been woven.
Abstract zoomorphic elements are used on pile
and flat weave carpets of the Guba group as well.
They are abstract motifs mainly used in the pile
weave carpet “Ajdahali” (with dragon) and the flat
weave carpet “Sumakh.” The element of a dragon is
widespread among Turkish people, as seen in some
carpet compositions. It is mainly woven among the
crossing stripes and sometimes among the patterns
on the background of the central area. Independ-
ent of its location and form, the “ajdaha” (dragon)
is woven among all combinations of palmettos. The
palmetto is a flower representing life; that is to say,
the dragon is a sacred character protecting this life.
This composition may be observed in “sumakh”
and other pile weave carpets.
One of the special features of Guba carpets regard-
ing plant patterns is the motif of grapevine leaves
woven on “Ugah” and other carpets. Sometimes,
the grapevine leaves fully decorate the central field
of a composition and sometimes are woven in par-
allel lines in the central field or separately in the
center as in the “Pirabadil” carpet. In all cases, this
element carries a symbolic meaning of paradise in
Carpet fragment. Wool. Pile weave. 18th century.
Guba group. Azerbaijan. From personal collection.
Make stitches and cutting piles. Guba.