Page 70 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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“Pirabadil” is one of the most well known carpets in the world of the Guba gro-
up. This “Pirabadil” carpet was woven in Dagh Biliji village, Shabran region. The
warp, pile, and weft are wool. It contains manuscript elements. The carpet consists
of a central field with dark blue background and three large and two small border
strips. The border strips are separated from each other with “su” and “alamunjug”
elements woven using the tender weaving technique.
The patterns collected on this carpet are observed on different samples of decora-
tive-applied art belonging to the ancient period. Most of the border and central field
patterns carry symbolic meanings. The stylized leaves, octagonal stars and winding
elements decorating the border strip are related to the ancient beliefs of Azerbaijani
people. The leaves and tree depictions seen on the carpets at present were also seen
on earthenware in the pre-Christian era. They are interpreted as a symbol of eter-
nal life. Eight-pointed stars related to worshipping astral cults can be observed in
the samples of the antique period. A fragment of glazed earthenware found during
archaeological excavations in the Shahrur region in Nakhchivan may be cited as an
example.
The winding patterns filling the other minor borders of the carpet are related to
the beliefs of ancient people who were afraid of natural forces and prayed to them.
For example, “dolanbaj” (winding) was created due to human fear and idolatry of
lightning because they did not know the reason or science of strikes.
The patterns decorating the central field of the carpet have a rich artistic and se-
mantic focus. “Buynuz” elements, created as a result of beliefs regarding totems,
have been placed in the central area of the carpet. The birds are considered pro-
tectors of pure, sacred spirits. The human bowing in front of the sacred fire and
idolizing it does not at first grab attention, but each aspect of the fire and the human
silhouette is woven very skilfully. This motif remained on “Pirabadil” carpets from
the Zoroastrianism period.
Other filler elements of the carpet consist of free fire-worship elements. The rhomb,
hooked, s-shaped, star, cross-like, and plant elements also give information. The
rhomb is a symbol of eternal increase and abundance and the s-shaped element is
a symbol of water and life. The star relates to astral beliefs, while the hook is a sign
of heraldry.
The color harmony of “Pirabadil” carpets consists of dark blue and light brown.
The wool of the carpet is painted with natural dyes. Therefore, neither the main co-
lors nor the halftones on the carpet have become pale and remain fresh still.
No repair or restoration work has been conducted on the carpet. The carpet is in
excellent condition. The carpet is of artistic, historic, and scientific importance.