Medallion Carpet with Jewelry Motifs on Red Ground

Triangular silver pendants with dangling chains hang both up and down the central medallion on this carpet. These motifs represent the tinkling motion of hanging jewelry amulets thought to ward off the jealousy of evil spirits. Such spirits seek to hurt or damage that which is beautiful, admirable, or morally good and are a common fear in many cultures worldwide. Scholars consider this exceptionally well-preserved and colorful carpet to be the finest of its design and layout, of those that exist today.