Forty Branches

This piece immediately brings to mind the feel of an Uzbek felt carpet. A favourite symbol of the semi-nomadic people of the region adorns the centre of this rug, a kirkbudatz – forty branches – but rendered here far more informally than is typically seen in traditional felts. This symbol is a feminine one and is contrasted by the playful rams’ horn motifs that adorn the border, these being a traditionally masculine symbol. The colours are mostly in keeping with this Uzbek felt tradition, though of course some liberties are taken. Interestingly this is the only Soumak weave in the collection and it is amazing how the feel of this weave is reminiscent of a felted piece.