Fragment of a knotted, woolen prayer rug with multiple niches (saff)
Turkey, Ushak region; 2nd half of 17th century Davids Samling/The David
Collection, Copenhagen
H: 196; W: 435 cm This large fragment makes
up the lower right corner of a carpet that probably consisted of three rows
parallel with the qibla wall, each with at least seven architecturally
conceived prayer niches. A carpet unit like this could be sewn together with
corresponding pieces until it covered the entire floor of a mosque. The
border has been partly preserved at the bottom and on the right side, and
there are fragments from the same rug or identical ones in other
collections.
Prayer rugs are not obligatory, but because of their
form, they denote the direction of prayer towards Mecca. In addition to
having an aesthetic function, they also insulate and provide comfortable
padding for those performing their prayers. Large prayer rugs with multiple
niches moreover denote a place for each believer in the mosque.
Inv.
no. 21/1994 |