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LANGUAGE of MOTIFS

Language of Motifs in Turkish Rugs &Kilim

Some time ago newspapers reported that there is only one man left in the World who speaks a certain language that will be forever lost. It will not be, the first or the last language to be lost, but it is sad to know it happens. Turkish weavers are not quite so close to the loss of the language of motif and color but there is concern that the end may not be too many years hence.

Most new carpets and kilims are produced in factories or in cottage industry situations where the motifs and colors are dictated by producers and distributors. The colors and motifs are being changed to suit the western market and its influence. To be a success in the market place, the product must suit the colors and furniture styles used by a different culture. Small woven signs or symbols are called motifs and overall pattern is called the design.

There are also happy kilims and carpets telling of joy and dreams of lasting happiness though always with an understanding of fate's fickle ways.

To own a carpet or kilim means two things. First, it is having a beautifully crafted piece of art, with harmonious colors and exciting patterns, with which to decorate the house. Secondly, it is like taking a page out of an Anatolian native's life, a page out of a history of a rich, though sadly dyeing tradition. For those who enjoy the art of old nomadic pieces and would like to learn a little of their language, the following basic motif vocabulary is provided...,

Status of Weaver

Hair Band (Single): This symbol expresses the yearning of a young woman to get married. Traditionally in Anatolian villages the girls keep their hair long and will not cut it until they get married.

Ying & Yang: This motif signifies that the weaver is married as well as love and unity. Inherited from the Far East, this symbol denotes love and unity.

Hands on Hips: The mother Goddess of ancient Matriarchal beliefs. At an early stage all super human powers were represented by goddesses. This motif is only shown when the weaver gives a birth to a boy. The hands on hips shows that she is very proud.

Happiness: Motifs such as evil eye and ram's horn signify that the weaver is happy and she is thanking God for her happiniess.

Eye (Evil Eye): This signifies a bad, or nasty look, which is believed to be encountered by an object which looks similiar to an eye. In its most simplified form a triangle is used.

Ram's Horn: The ram's horn denotes fertility, heroism and power.

Relationship: The chest, comb, fetter and fertility motifs express a weaver's relationship with her husband and her in-laws.

Chest Comb: The chest and comb motifs are symbols of the bridge, marriage and happiness in Anatolian folklore. The chest, or clothes sack among wandering tribes, represent the girl's longing for marriage, since they contain her trousseau or dowry.

Fertility: The relationship between the sexes, and proliferation. Stylised versions of multigrained plants, for example, wheat and pomegranate which denote fertility. A fetter is used to prevent horses from running away. In kilims, it represents harmony and togetherness of lovers.

Family Sign: Family, or clan signs are used by all tribal people, to mark their sheep, kilims and other possesions.

Birds: Bird motifs have various meanings. Birds of pray, such as eagle, falcon, and hawk represent strength and power. These bird symbols can be found on the Selcuks and Ottomans. Birds can also symbolize the celestial messenger and longevity. The phoenix and the dragon fighting symbolize the coming of spring rain.

Animals: From the earliest times people have believed that by imitating, or weaving part of a dangerous animal, they will have power over it and protection from it. Carrying a wolf's paw, a crocodile's tooth or a dried snake or scorpion is a remnant of this ancient belief which is still practised in some places today.

Scorpion:	Dragon	Wolf's Print