Voorblad zadeltas, versierd met rasterwerk waarbinnen kruisbloemen c. 1800 - 1900

This is a saddlebag front, adorned with a lattice design that holds cruciform flowers, created by the Jaffi people. The cruciform flower, a recurring motif, speaks volumes. Across cultures, it's a symbol deeply rooted in the cycle of life and the cosmos. Think of the ancient Egyptian Ankh, symbolizing eternal life, or the Christian cross, representing sacrifice and redemption. Notice how these motifs reappear in various forms, from the geometric patterns in ancient Anatolian carpets to the floral designs in Renaissance tapestries. Each iteration carries echoes of past meanings, reshaped by new cultural contexts. Such designs may serve as powerful reminders of life's cyclical nature, resonating on a subconscious level. The cruciform flower, therefore, isn't just a decorative element; it's a vessel of cultural memory, a testament to the enduring human quest for meaning. It's a symbol that evolves, transforms, yet always remains connected to its ancient roots.