� THE ART OF CARPET
GUARDIANS OF LIFE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Antique Carpets
The dragon image , which has a deep meaning , occupies a special place in Azerbaijani carpet weaving . The dragon motif used by the Turkic peoples is one of the most ancient images adorning many monuments of Azerbaijani art . This is proved by the Gamigaya petroglyphs , an image of a three-headed dragon blocking the flow of water on a golden bowl , dating from about the 9th century BCE , found on the Hasanli hill in the Sulduz mahal of historical South Azerbaijan . The image of the dragon also occupies an important place in Azerbaijani folk tales . Many toponyms are also associated with it .
In accordance with beliefs and various forms of the image , the symbolic meaning of the dragon image also changed . Since ancient times , as a symbol of the angel of war , it is also depicted as the guardian of wealth and treasures . The dragon was also a symbol of the power of the Caspian tribes who settled on the Mil-Mugan plain . Its image in carpet weaving is also identified with a cloud and lightning . The connection between the symbols of the dragon and water is explained by beliefs in earthly and heavenly serpents . In Azerbaijani carpets , there are various forms of the dragon associated with both heavenly and earthly elements . Dragons also symbolize Tengri in the ancient Turkic tradition , although dragons themselves were not worshiped as gods .
Since ancient times , various stylized dragon images have been used in the compositional designs of Azerbaijani flat-woven and pile carpets . According to legend , the dragon on the carpet symbolizes water , brings abundance to the house , protects the house , family , tribe from difficulties , evil eye , and evil spirits . Our great-grandmothers depicted a highly stylized S-shaped dragon on the carpets . These images with dragon motifs are known in Azerbaijani carpet weaving as the composition Khatai . Khata or Khatai is one of the tribes that formed the basis of the Azerbaijani nation . The clan elements of the ornament of this tribe gave the name to the carpet composition . The most valuable examples of these ornaments adorn the Karabakh carpets of the 16th – 17th centuries .
The cross symbol is found in ancient religions and cultures , including Azerbaijan , Mesopotamia , Egypt , Altai , China , and other countries . The oldest example of a cross in the South Caucasus was found on the territory of the Kultepe monument , dating back to the 3 rd millennium BCE .
The cross is an ancient and universal symbol , first of all it glorifies the cosmos , expressed in its simplest form . For the ancient Turks , the cross symbolized Tengrianism . The Turks expressed the model of being mainly in the form of a cross . The cross embodied the heavenly fire and the light emitted by Tengri ( the Creator ). The cross also signifies the four elements ( air , earth , water , and fire ). Various interpretations of this symbol , the logic and essence of which has the same meaning , are associated with its simple and at the same time flawless structure .
The symbol of the cross had a great influence on the formation of ancient carpet ornaments of the Turkic peoples . It is widespread in both Azerbaijani pile and flat-woven carpets . The stamps in the shape of ram horns added to the edges of the cross , widespread elements in Azerbaijani carpet art , meant the unity of the clan and tribe around common roots and beliefs . Later , a new element charkhi-felek ( wheel of fortune ), reflecting the model of the Universe and formed by the addition of guiding elements to the cross , appeared .
Varni . Karabakh , Azerbaijan . 18th century . Wool . Flat-woven , handmade . Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum collection .
© Photo : Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum
Carpet Malibeyli . Karabakh , Azerbaijan . Early 20th century . Wool . Pile , handmade . Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum collection .
© Photo : Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum
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