Woven with History

By Richard Davitian
Bruinboy88@ucla.edu

You have heard of Oriental rugs and Persian rugs, but what about Armenian rugs? If there is one thing that truly defines the art and workmanship of the Armenian people, it is our rugs. Armenian oriental rugs have been praised for their beauty and exquisite quality for centuries, but when it comes to the background and history of the rugs, little is known by most Armenians.

Like Iran, Turkey, and even India, Armenia has a long history of being a producer of oriental rugs and carpets. Its artifacts were praised for their beauty and were traded in different parts of the world, some of which can now be found preserved in museums all over the world. Numerous observers and historians have recognized the beauty of Armenian rugs, and have acknowledged the Armenian people as playing a vital role in the development of rug-making as art.

The rugs were known for their distinct red color which came from a special dye. The dye was extracted from an insect called ordan, which is found in the Mount Ararat valley. The various blue, yellow, beige, and brown colors were made from different plants and flowers.

Armenian rugs contain special structural components, motifs, symbols, colors, and inscriptions. They offer insight into the history of the Armenians and the other cultures they came in contact with. Symbols that often appear on the rugs include the dragon and the cross.

One characteristic feature of the Armenian rugs is the illustration of a medallion in the center. This represents the sun as the source of life. Birds can also be found around the medallion. Other symbols depict different forms of nature and various weapons.

A very famous symbol found on the rugs is the snake. Based on snake/serpent symbol, the Armenian rugs were called dragon-rugs. Many rugs also contain human figures and animal figures. The crosses and animal figures are similar to motifs found in Armenian manuscripts and churches. Therefore, they have a significant religious importance.

Armenian rugs can be seen in numerous European paintings. The rugs are also illustrated in Armenian historical writings, paintings, and manuscripts. Common Armenian rugs include the Kazak rugs, Karabagh rugs, Genje rugs, and Shirvan rugs.

In addition to being part of trade, Armenian rugs and carpets were a crucial part of domestic life. They were used in both homes and churches. Inside homes, they were used on the floor or wall and were regarded as a symbol and indicator of status and position. Rugs were also used in royal weddings and to honor certain individuals. Also, the rugs were sometimes used as dowry for women.

Armenian rug production had slowed down with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Production increased again with the help of the Armenian Diaspora. Many companies exist today, such as the Tufenkian Artisan Carpets with locations all around the world, which produce a variety of classic and luxurious rugs.

Today, Armenians all over the world seek to find and buy traditional Armenian oriental rugs. They buy them not only for pure aesthetics, but also to hold onto the Armenian culture and tradition of their ancestral country. By living with traditional Armenian rugs in our homes, the Armenian Diaspora is holding onto a little piece of their history and background.