Flat Weave Rugs/Kilims. The Hidden Language Within

Kilims, which are much rather ancient than theirflying; therefore the bird motif reveals its meaning
relative the carpet, are a kind of flat-weave rug.as that of freedom and the associated concept
These rugs are originally produced in a tribalof good news brought from far away.
environment. Unfortunately there is no certainThe wheat ear motif: This symbol represents the
information on how ancient kilims are; howeverfertility of the earth and for this reason plenty
archaeologists have found evidence of theirand prosperity are two interrelated ideas often
existence on the walls of Egyptian tombs datingfound in kilim rugs.
from 1700-1800 BC.The pomegranate: Such motif is quite similar in
However incredible it may sound, it is even moremeaning to that of the wheat ear motif because
amazing to know that some of the motifs foundthis fruit of paradise with its hundreds of seeds in
in such rugs seem to be quite more antique thanthe single fruit represented wealth and plenty.
the weaving itself. The designs of a kilim tend toThere was an ancient custom in which whenever
be of a geometric shape and often include severala couple got married, pomegranate seeds were
symbolic motifs. These motifs which are bound tosprinkled in the home of the newlyweds so that
be found on kilims are copied in flat weaves allthey would be happy and have healthy children.
over the world from the tribes in the AtlasThe spider motif: The spider motif bestows
Mountains, stopping by the Afghan nomads to thesacred significance because of its connection to
Navajo Indians in the U.S.A. and the Indians of thethe legend of Arachne, the Lydian woman who
Andes in South America.was turned into a spider by the Greek goddess
The universal motifs typically found in kilims hideAthena due to Arachnes boasting of her ability as
an extremely rich language based on ancienta magnificent weaver.
beliefs, legends and mythology. However, localThe tree of life motif: This symbol is often
variations may be easily spotted on kilimsdisplayed with its roots embedded in the earth
according to the region and even village wherebeneath, and its branches reaching up into the
they have been woven.sky. The evident mystical connotation shows a
The most repeatedly occurring motifs in kilim rugsconnection between mortal life and the spiritual
are the following:world above portraying the immortality of the
The eye motif: Specially found in lots of Asian andhuman soul.
African countries, the eye represents a charmThe snake motif: The motif of the snake is
against bad luck and misfortune coming from thedeeply rooted to that of the tree of life motif
malicious eye emitted by those who gaze atsince the snake is depicted as the guardian of the
them with envy or ill purpose. Therefore, thetree. This role may probably result from the
different eye motifs seen in kilims are deliberatelyannual snakes sloughing of their skin.
woven to give protection to the members of theConsequently, the snake represents rebirth and
household.life energy.
The rams horn motif: this is a symbol which datesThe diamond shaped motif (hand on waist): This
from the Neolithic times. Besides this, evidence ofsymbols meaning dates back to prehistory and it
this motif has also been found among theappears to be the stylized representation of a
Egyptian and Phoenician cultures. In old Anatolianpregnant woman and expresses the wish of the
civilizations the rams horn was the symbol of thewoman who is weaving the kilim of bringing
power of the gods. Nowadays in nomadic Turkishhealthy children into the world.
communities this represents the symbol of powerTo understand the meaning of the kilims motifs
and fertility, showing the particularity of beingand their bright colors together with their intricate
mostly related to male virility.geometric patterns help to enhance their beauty
The bird motif: This symbolizes the endlessand make them even more attractive to the
fascination of humankind towards the idea ofbuyers eyes.