Стр. 26 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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The “Achma-yumma” or “bendi-rumi” (according to art
critics) compositional structure on the middle field of “Jay-
irli” carpets give the carpets a special aspect. On these carpets,
duck elements are depicted on the right and left of the cen-
tral vertical arrows, and snake-like elements are portrayed to
the right and left on the middle field. “Shirvan” carpets from
this group have “chanagli baga” (tortoise) elements. “Baga”
elements are infrequently used on Baku carpets and they are
interpreted as a symbol of longevity.
Similar to their middle fields, Shirvan carpets have lamb,
ram, deer, and “chelik” images along the borders. Since an-
cient times, the majority of families in Azerbaijan hung the
dried heads of horned animals (ram, deer, or “chelik”) on their
doors. The heads of these animals are interpreted as an “evil
eye catcher” and of courage. These images may also be en-
countered on everyday dishes from the past. The dishes found
during excavations conducted in Mingachevir and around
Shirvanshahs palace serve as an example for this.
The “Kuvan” element depicted on some carpets is inter-
preted as a camel caravan, and the people depicted in front of
it are interpreted as “sarban” (cameleer) figures. These camel
elements have been portrayed continuously on carpets and
household items since ancient times and remain well worth
attention.
It is well known that hunters used to take along a falcon or
a dog when they went hunting. The falcon depicted on car-
pets and other art pieces is interpreted as a symbol of success
among most Eastern traditions and by Azerbaijanis. An Eng-
lish traveler visiting Shamakhi in the mid sixteenth century
described such a hunting scene, “The Shamakhi ruler invit-
ed me hunting with falcons. Courtiers also took part in this
hunt.” Another traveler visiting Shamakhi at the same period
wrote, “The rulers and courtiers in Azerbaijan give hunting
birds, falcons, as presents to their beloved guests.” Hunting
with falcons was widespread in the second half of the nine-
teenth century. Usually a tamed falcon would sit on the arm or
shoulder of the mounted or walking hunter. During the hunt,
the falcon would swoop down on a pheasant, partridge, or
turaj when they rose in the air and then would claw and bring
the other bird down. To locate where the bird fell, a bell would
be fastened to the falcon’s feet. The falcon would follow the
birds after they were fed, wait, and then would force them into
the air; then the hunter would shoot the bird when it was in
the air. The falcons were bought and sold for very high prices
among hunters. Although hunting with falcons has disap-
peared since the beginning of the twentieth century, this scene
has been passed down from generation to generation via art
pieces and remains alive in the memory of the people.
Stylized horse images are frequently encountered on hunt-
ing carpets and on “shaddas” woven using the flat weave
technique.
Rooster elements represented at the top and bottom of Shir-
van’s hunting carpets attract attention in their originality.
Double roosters are interpreted as a symbol of good and evil;
a single rooster is interpreted as a symbol of daybreak.
The dog image on carpets is interpreted as the friend and
helper of humans.
The butterfly and yellow nightingale, turtle, fish, rooster,
duck, cat foot, pointer, lamb, hen, and other stylized filler im-
ages that are encountered on Shirvan carpets are specific to
this group as well.
In addition to their compositions and ornaments, the third
artistic characteristic of Shirvan carpets is their color blend.
The color scheme of carpets commands great respect; as in
other arts, carpets also attract attention first owing to the con-
Carpet. Wool. Pile-weave. 19th century.
Shirvan group. Azerbaijan.
Carpet fragment. Wool. Pile-weave. 19 th century.
Shirvan group. Azerbaijan. Private collection.
In addition to their compositions
and ornaments, the third artistic
characteristic of Shirvan carpets
is their color blend. The color
scheme of carpets commands
great respect; as in other arts,
carpets also attract attention first
owing to the contrasts of color
and light.