Kilim

A hand-woven kilim is a flat, pileless rug, handcrafted using the warp and weft weaving technique, often using wool and natural dyes. Unlike knotted rugs, the kilim does not have knots, but is obtained by interweaving horizontal threads (weft) with vertical threads (warp) on a manual loom.

Hand-woven kilims are traditional in many cultures, particularly those of the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia.

Carpets

A hand-knotted rug is a type of rug that is handcrafted using a technique in which each knot is tied by hand on a loom. It is considered one of the finest and most traditional forms of weaving, highly prized for its durability, artistic quality, and cultural value.

The hand-knotted carpet is composed of three main elements:

Warp – vertical threads stretched across a loom (usually made of cotton or wool)
Weft – horizontal threads that secure the knots
Knots – small threads of wool or silk tied around the warp threads

Each knot is tied one by one, by hand, following a pre-established design, often on paper (called cardboard or map). After each row of knots, a weft thread is passed to lock the knots in place.

These fabrics have a strong symbolic meaning, with patterns and symbols that reflect the culture, spirituality and daily life of the people who produce them. Each pattern, color and shape often has a specific meaning linked to the tradition or history of the people who create it.

Here are some of the most common symbols in kilims and their meanings:

Hands on hips (Eli belinde)

Shape: A stylized figure of a woman with her hands on her hips, often represented by a diamond or triangle.
Meaning: Symbol of fertility, motherhood and abundance.
Origin: Common in Anatolian kilims.