Oosters tapijt c. 1800 - 1975

This carpet was woven by the Ersari people, its precise date unknown. The dominant visual experience of the rug is one of geometric organization, through color, line and form. Shades of deep red and dark blue interlock across the woven field in octagonal medallions. Each medallion contains a highly stylized, almost abstract motif suggestive of a tree, which, when repeated, forms a rhythmic pattern. These elements evoke a sense of depth and texture, inviting tactile as well as visual engagement. The structural arrangement of these designs may reflect a deeper cultural semiotics. The careful arrangement of shapes and the repetition of symbols could be seen as a means of codifying beliefs and values. This creates meaning not only through the individual symbols but also through the overall order and layout. The rug’s texture and the way it plays with pattern reflects a balance between traditional and the desire for individual expression. It shows how cultural artifacts become rich with layers of meaning.