Uzbek Suzani

[Paul Ferguson]

"The patterns in suzani are not mere decoration. Red tulips, for example, symbolize protection against evil forces, while repetitive circles allude to ancient amulets against the evil eye. Thus, someone who knows the “grammar” of ornaments can “read” them. Uzbek motifs are often compared with medieval or Renaissance European symbols. For instance, the swastika, representing the cycle of life, was popular in both Central Asian and Celtic cultures. Harvard University researchers have even likened certain Uzbek designs to European alchemical symbols, showing humanity’s shared effort to express beliefs and hopes."

https://cisc.uz/en/news-item/575/