Rug Motifs

A "motif" is a recurring design,subject or idea. The shapes and symbols represented in rugs around

the world are many and varied.Some are universal and some are unique. From the Middle East to the

American southwest, motifs can be found everywhere in the design of persian rugs and kilims.
 

The most common motifs in kilim rugs are as follows:

The eye motif: Usually from Asian and African countries, the eye represents a charm against bad luck and misfortune coming from the malicious eye emitted by those who gaze at them with envy or ill

purpose. Therefore, the different eye motifs seen in kilims are deliberately woven to give protection to the members of the household. This is a very common form in the Middle East and Turkey where I have travelled it is so common as to be on every piece of jewelry designed for the tourist in mind.

The ram’s horn motif: the symbol of the power of the gods in ancient times,nowadays in nomadic

Turkish communities this represents the symbol of power and fertility

The bird motif: Symbolizing flight, freedom and the associated concept of good news brought from far away.

The wheat ear motif: fertility of the earth,plenty and prosperity

The pomegranate motif: similar in meaning to that of the wheat ear motif because this fruit of paradise with its hundreds of seeds in the single fruit represented wealth and plenty. There was an ancient custom in which whenever a couple got married, pomegranate seeds were sprinkled in the home of the newlyweds so that they would be happy and have healthy children.

The spider motif: The spider motif is connected to the legend of Arachne, turned into a spider by

the Greek goddess Athena due to Arachne’s boasting of her ability as a magnificent weaver.

The tree of life motif: shows a connection between mortal life and the spiritual world above

portraying the immortality of the human soul.

The snake motif: The motif of the snake is deeply rooted to that of the tree of life motif since the

snake is depicted as the guardian of the tree. The snake represents rebirth and life energy.

The diamond shaped motif (hand on waist): This symbol’s meaning dates back to prehistory and it appears to be the stylized representation of a pregnant woman

Knowing the meaning and interpretation of some of the most common motifs of rugs and kilims help the buyer to enjoy this wonderful art all the more.

Learn to take care of your rug or kilim