Traditional Armenian carpet weaving

The photograph shows the process of traditional Armenian carpet weaving. The weaver’s hand, the stretched white threads and the already woven section with red, blue, yellow and white geometric patterns can be seen.

Traditionally, carpets are woven by hand on wooden looms from natural wool dyed with plant dyes, such as madder root and indigo. Among the motifs, dragons symbolise protection and strength, crosses and the tree of life stand for faith and eternity, and ram’s horns for courage. The craft has been passed down from generation to generation, often by women.