Antique Kuba rug, early 20th century, Konagkend District, possibly Afurja village, Mountainous Kuba Region, North East Azerbaijan.

56 Afurja
Konakhkend district
228X110 cm

In the centre is a date that is difficult to read: 1266 = 1839 or more likely 1322 = 1904

The midnight-blue central field comprises 26 stepped rectangles or diamonds. They are smaller than those of the previous rug. L. Kerimov reports that the weavers call these göls atda buta (boteh). They are arranged in 17 staggered horizontal rows and in three vertical rows. In between, there are smaller medallions with four arrows in the centre and rosettes, cross-hooks, etc. The depiction of camels and, more significantly, pitchers, gives the carpet a strong sense of purpose, perhaps religious. Camels are holy animals and pitchers are the symbol of religious ablution and purification.

L. Kerimov calls the main border on a light ground zulfu alem (L. Kerimov I, plate 155, No 3). This border is also called "crab border". Two minor borders with carnations on a dark-blue ground flank the main border. According to L. Kerimov, a characteristic of this rug, apart from its distinctive medallions, are its proportions. The rugs of this group are almost twice as long as they are wide.

Warp: Wool, Z3 S, divory (3 threads dark brown or 1 X ivory +2X darkbrown).
Weft: Cotton, Z2 S, white, 2 wefts: 1st tight, 2nd waved.
Pile: Wool,Z2 (blue and yellow also Z 4, red also Z3),
Pile Height:5mm.
Knots: Symmetrical 3, \, 25,H42xV30 = 1,260 Kn/dm2.
Handle: Velours, not thin, extremely lightly ribbed.
Upper End: 0.5 cm blue cotton simple tapestry weave.
Lower End: c. 1 cm blue cotton simple tapestry weave.
Selvedge: 0.5 cm blue cotton shirazi around 2 ribs in figure-of-eight wrapping with supplemental threads.

Remarks: An outstanding piece of very good quality wool, knotting and colours; the well-balanced design perfects the whole. Literature: L. Kerimov II, ill. 153, p. 187 (see also 32-38); D. Eder, be. tit, p. 281, ill. 299.
published at Siyawouch Azadi "Azerbaijani Caucasian rugs" plate no: 56