PLATE EIGHT
Classic Group
Size: 14ft. 5 in. x 3 ft. 10 in.
432.5 cm. x 115 cm.

The format used here, wide central panel for the field and paired border strips, first appears in Classic group weaving and this example is the earliest known three-piece kelim. The coloration, materials and techniques all indicate this slit tapestry was not produced during the Archaic or prototype period but in the next or Classic group. These nine large hexagonal medallions, one is missing as is one of the borders, are a recombination of elements from Plates One, Two, Four and Five.

Connecting the formerly free-standing medallions of Plates One and Two in a style somewhat reminiscent of Plate Four and then adding additional hooked extensions created the pattern seen above. This process of extrapolation and recombination frequently occurred in post-Archaic group weaving and always resulted in an iconographically less potent but often visually exciting design form.




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