Description
The Salyan carpet belongs to the Shirvan group of Guba-Shirvan carpet-making, and has a rich and ancient history. Typically these carpets depict two mythical birds and a medallion in the centre, with large octagonal medallions.
As well as symbolizing beauty, according to traditional beliefs the birds also have a cosmic meaning, linked to the sun. Salyan city was built on the remains of a city founded on the estuary of the Kura river in the early 14th century and today is the centre of Azerbaijan’s fishing industry. In reflection of this, two fishes and waves signifying the Kura river are depicted on the Salyan pieces of jewellery in the collection.
