Unique Karabakh Carpet "Gasimushagi": Origin, Symbolism and Design Features

Abstract

The article examines the issues of origin, symbolism and design features of the rare Karabakh carpet "Gasimushagi". The name of the carpet reflects the traditional name of the territory of the life area of the Karabakh tribes with the self-name "Gasimushagy", which means "Children / descendants of Gasim". The uniqueness of the carpet is due to its "relationship" with the famous "dragon" carpets of Karabakh. The article traces the evolution of the "Gasimushagi" carpet from "dragon" carpets of the Safavid era – to carpets of the end of the first quarter of the 20th century. The analysis of artistic and typological samples of design carpets made it possible to state its "genetic" connection with the "dragon" carpets of Karabakh, as well as late carpets from the regions of Azerbaijan – Shirvan, Kazakh, Cuba. The main motives of the carpet have undeniable parallels with the motives of Azerbaijani carpets from these regions. The typologically recognizable motif of the "Gasimushagi" carpet is the famous central medallion (rosette), from which paired "sleeves" ("Gol"), containing the motif of climbing plants with small flowers, extend up and down. The weavers of this carpet conditionally have this motif "spider". The central field of the rosette carpet has remained recognizable for over a century. The border of the “Gasimushagi” carpets has several options, which are identical to the decorative borders of not only Karabakh, but also Shirvan and Kazakh carpets.