Antique Southern Saliani "Akstafa" bird rug, Neftchala District, Khol-Garabujaq village, Azerbaijan.  Mid 19th century. This is one of the best and oldest examples. wool on wool. 108/117cm x 260cm

See a sister of this rug, which was woven by my grandfather's great-grandmother. This specific rug was woven by her (my grandfather's great-grandmother) sister in the same period. The rug has been preserved in a mint conditon. No repairs done on this rug.

IMHO, these two Saliani rugs are among the most important so called "Akstafa" rugs. The age (is confirmed by a few elder men in our family), the details and the richness of the design, very rare colors and elements would prove my claim; there are a few similar antique pieces, but none contains so many details: peacocks, camels, small houses with the cross underneath (?); swastikas; many archaic elements; babies, women, men - all in traditional dresses, a "strange" soldier or a king with a sword, combs, domestic animals, goats, deers, wheels, crosses, weaving combs, tree of life symbols, tarantula like strange animals, birds, colorful rams horn border etc.

Vugar Dadashov

King