Armenian culture can't be imagined without national carpets or rugs and each traditional home has been decorated with them. People cover their floors, seats, chairs, sofas, beds, tables and walls with carpet. Carpet is also a great and original gift for relatives living abroad. In this article, you will read about Armenian carpet history, design, symbols etc.
Carpet weaving as a craft has been developed since ancient times in Armenia. Carpets and rugs were considered essential items and were used by almost all population. This craft was closely associated with everyday life and it was necessary to know. The carpet was also an integral part of the dowry of Armenian girls, so from an early age, they were learning this craft and prepare their carpets.
Armenian carpets are decorated with red, white, blue, green, and yellow colors. In ancient times, colours were made from flowers, nut peels, roots, and red colour came from "vordan karmir" which is Armenian cochineal.
As a raw material, people used goat and sheep wool. When cotton's and silk's cultivation developed in country people started to use also cotton and silk. The decorations which are used in Armenian rugs were also widely used in miniature painting, architecture and silverware.
The symbols of Armenian carpets are very diverse. They reflect the traditions, rituals, and beliefs of Armenia. We have selected some of the most common types:
"Wheel of eternity" symbol is the most popular in Armenian carpet. It has eight curved wings, which symbolizes Armenian Ancient eight Gods.
“Vishapagorg” ( Dragon rug) symbols can be found on many popular types of Armenian carpets. The main types of dragon carpets are known in the traditional centres of carpet weaving in Syunik and Artsakh. Dragons are the symbols of victory and have the significance of protection. Armenians repose that if they have Dragon rugs in their house, they will be safe and protected from the evil.
Floral-Animal Symbols: In this group are included carpets where essentials are botanical and floral ornamentation and their compositions. In general, vegetable flower compositions are real or geometric. The most popular examples are called "Kenats tsar", "Artsvagorg", "Otsagorg" and "Tsaghkanakhsh".
Currently, Syunik and Artsakh are the centers of carpet weaving. In 2013 carpet museum was opened in Shushi. Besides Armenian and abroad museums, Armenian carpets are kept in individual collections.
“Megerian Carpet” company produces and renovates Armenian carpets. Staying faithful to old traditions company uses the wool and paints of the country, and the traditional technologies.
“Kharabakh Carpet” company was founded in 2013 and produces traditional Armenian carpets maintaining Artsakh traditions. The company produces also eco carpets that are made of natural raw material. The eco carpets can be a new business card for Artsakh.
"Megerian Carpet" company produces new and antique carpets. They also use natural dye and wool for making the rugs. Each rug has an individual design, original materials.
So if you are travelling in Armenia you are welcome to come and watch the carpet creating process.