Description
The ox symbolizes the ancient city, while the lions denote the protection of the castle walls day and night. Moreover, the butas or the paisley motifs, known as ‘Buta of Baku’, depicted on this piece can be found on carpets woven in Baku. The buta is a wide-spread eastern design element characteristic of carpets from mountainous regions. The symbolic meaning of this element is disputed, but the ‘Buta of Baku’ is believed to be a symbol of fire and eternity. The other version of this model reflects the Shirvanshah Palace situated in the Icheri Sheher Historical-Architectural Reserve, the old city of Baku.
