Figures captions
36-42
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PLATE NINE
Classic Group
Size: 432.5 cm. x 115 cm.
This kelim and the next exhibit the lack of iconographic content present in
post-Archaic group weaving. They capture our attention with their generously
proportioned patterns and crisp, clear color combinations. However, when the
individual designs are examined only mute, highly stylized symbols remain.
The weavers of Classic group pieces were some how cut off and the absence
of any recognizable icons from the library of prehistoric image/symbols demonstrates
this isolation. Frequently the design elements in Classic group examples were
directly lifted from earlier kelims, unlike the Archaic group's use of much
earlier Paleolithic and Neolithic design sources.
Here the main 
design
fig.36 was inspired by elements taken direc
tly
from Plate Two, particularly the secondary motif fig.37
This relationship becomes obvious when these designs are reduced to their
primary elements for comparison figs.38 and 39.
The weaver/creator of this kelim then took a simplified version of fig.36
and placed on top of it one of the five large designs fig.40,
taken from Plate Two's the widest end panel. Notice how the designs fig.41,surrounding
the three major motifs in Plate Two, have not been forgotten but placed within
the reused former end panel motif. Also, notice how the S motifs, fig.42,
placed in the narrowest end panel stripe in Plate Two have migrated into the
secondary field stripes seen above.
Occasionally,
as is described above, these earlier 
icons
can be identified but more often they have been so well hidden under successive
layers of added symbols and are not so easily found.
click
image for larger view
