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Sewan Medallion
 

 Bordjalou Qizil-Kilise village rug (so called Sewan Kazak)
CODE: KZSW10
Size (metric): 100x115cm
Size (ft): 3'3"x3'8"
Area: 1.15 m2
Density: 106 000 knots per square meter, totally 125 000 knots
Weaving period: 2 months
Colors: madder red, navy blue, light yellow, maroon/antique ruby, pine green, natural ivory, natural brown.
Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), indigo, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, natural brown sheep wool, natural ivory sheep wool - all are eco-friendly and non-toxic
Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, ivory wool warps and madder dyed red wefts
Handwoven in Azerbaijan

Design: The blood-red field scattered with angular polychrome stellar flowerheads and life trees around a large mottled grass-green medallion centred by a small red medallion, in a light blue ground leaf & arrows motif main border between reciprocal skittle-pattern stripes

The Sewan Kazaks are known to have been made by Azeri Turks in the area between the borders of today's Georgia and Armenia (Mountainous Borchali or Nothern Lori). These Kazaks are distinguished basically by the unique shape of the medallion, which appears in all Sewan Kazaks with a very similar shape. Some refer to these as “Shield” Kazak because of the shape of the medallion. The medallion is also claimed to be representing a warrior in a thick felt cloak, and a big shaggy papaq (cap) that made of sheep wool, holding a shield. Karapapakh tribe, descended from Kipchak - a medieval Turkic tribal confederation - wove most of the known antique "Sewan" rugs. Kipchaks are known as the makers of stone stelaes (balbal). These figures were made for different purposes by all the ancient Turkic nations, to immortalize their ancestors, to honor the heros or kings, or to memorize a deceased person.The same tradition could be continued by Karapapakhs by applying the motif to their carpets. See images


"Tree of Life" ornament

 

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Another type of "Sewan" rug vs. an Albanian stone balbal found in Boyahmadli village, Agdam District, Azerbaijan
 



Balbal stone stelaes made by ancient Turks


Balbals made by Gökturks
 

 

For more information about the above rug or to place an order please email vd@azerbaijanrugs.com (Baku, Azerbaijan) or ra@azerbaijanrugs.com  (San Francisco Bay Area). We will get back to you within 24 hours or less.