Caucasian Baku Sileh / Zili (Verneh) Flatweaves With Bird And Camel Motifs, Azerbaijan

About the Antique Rugs of the Future Project

Sheep Breeds of Azerbaijan

Shearing, Sorting, Washing, Carding, Spinning

"The advantages of handspun yarn to machine spun yarn"

Rediscovery of Ancient Natural Dyes

Our Natural Dyestuffs

Mordants

Difference between synthetically and naturally dyed rugs

Weaving and Finishing Steps

Galleries of ARFP Caucasian Azerbaijani Rugs

CAUCASIAN BAKU SILEH / ZILI (VERNEH) FLATWEAVES WITH BIRD AND CAMEL MOTIFS, AZERBAIJAN

click to enlarge	click to enlarge
Caucasian Baku Zili / Sileh Flatweave Code: BKZ01 Size: 155x188cm Size (ft): 5'1"x6'2" Area: 2.91 m² Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, spurge / euphorbia, indigo, pomegranate skins Materials: pure wool Weaving method: Wefts (horizontal yarns) are wrapped around the warps (vertical strands of wool; fringe is a part of it). Design: Comprising concentric bands of panels, with six green and red square panels in the central field containing boteh, stylised bird and geometric motifs, in a madder red panelled border containing similar motifs, the broad royal blue panelled outer stripe with geometric motifs, all divided by narrow ivory crab-rosette stripes. Somewhat unusual is the alternating red and green squares in the central panel which further emphasizes the dynamic tilework of the rug. Great interest was placed in textiles of this type as the tribal people of the Azerbaijan would use these pieces to adorn their camels, horses and homes both for ceremonial and practical purposes. Hand Woven in Azerbaijan	Caucasian Baku Zili / Sileh Flatweave Code: BKZ02 Size: 155x226cm Size (ft): 5'1"x7'5" Area: 3.50 m² Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, spurge / euphorbia, indigo, pomegranate skins Materials: pure wool Weaving method: Wefts (horizontal yarns) are wrapped around the warps (vertical strands of wool; fringe is a part of it). Design: Comprising concentric bands of square panels, the madder field with four red square panels containing stylised bird and geometric motifs in a blue zigzag frame, in a royal blue panelled border containing similar motifs, the broad red panelled outer stripe with similar stylised birds (peacock) and animals on either side and a skirt at each end with geometric motifs, all divided by narrow ivory crab-rosette stripes The rug displays all of the quintessential elements of a Baku Verneh or Zili rugs. It maintains the endearing stylized birds, camels and flowers that have made these pieces favorites among collectors. Great interest was placed in textiles of this type as the tribal people of the Azerbaijan would use these pieces to adorn their camels, horses and homes both for ceremonial and practical purposes. For a similar example please see, Herrmann, E.: Von Uschak Bis Yarkand: Seltene Orientteppiche Aus Vier Jahrhunderten , Vol.III, Munich, 1979, No.30 (Süd-Kaukasus).