During the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries, dynamic kilim weavings were produced by seminomadic and village women of Anatolia, the geographic region that constitutes much of present-day Turkey. Kilims were woven primarily from the wool of sheep, goats, or camels and using the slit-tapestry technique. They owe their rich, earthy hues to natural dyes derived from locally harvested sources (with the exception of indigo, which was likely an Indian import). These early weavings are characterized by bold, abstract designs that have been interpreted as symbolic renderings of architectural, human, animal, and floral motifs. Some of these motifs have been traced back to Neolithic times.

This kilim’s focal point is the enclosed indigo-blue box surrounded on all four sides with dynamic bands of interlocking patterns. The red-and-white hooked motif is used to outline the central female or goddess figure, referred to as elibelinde (hands on hips). This prehistoric motif has been traced to the Mother Goddess cult that existed in various parts of Anatolia over several millennia until the Byzantine period (330–1453 ce). The elibelinde motif in its simplest representation is little more than a triangular body and diamond-shaped head. This more elaborate rendering depicts the figure with curved arms, a bird on each shoulder, and anatomical details. The use of white cotton as an outline draws further attention to the ground figure woven in the negative. jkd