Armenian Shirvan prayer rug dated 1897

This prayer rug is fascinating for many reasons. Firstly it was woven in Shirvan, an area that was predominantly Muslim.

Although early Russian census data show that Armenians inhabited parts of the Shirvan and Kuba districts, they were minority populations and there is little reason to believe that they ever were the most important weaving group in these areas. Nevertheless, there are some Armenian prayer rugs from these areas.

Secondly, there is an Islamic date of 1897. The use of an Islamic date does not preclude Armenian provenance.

Even after the Russians extended Christian dominion over most of the Caucasus, Islamic dates were standard in areas controlled by either Turks or Persians. They were ordinarily used at that time by Christians as well.

And lastly, included in this rug’s design is a small intricate motif woven discretely into a side margin of the field that represents a woman with a Christian cross over her head.

The weaver seemingly portrayed herself wearing a dress, an apron, and a scarf. By connecting a tiny cross to her head, this weaver was asserting that the cross represented her as a Christian and the rug as a prayer rug.

by Arto Tavukciyan