Symbolic significance and historical heritage
From Ancient Origins to Modern Relevance: Discovering the Symbolic Power and Historical Legacy
Every stage of the weaving process holds significance. In accordance with tradition, this legendary weaving technique imbues the textiles with enchantment and safeguarding attributes. The final creations are regarded as talismans against the malevolent gaze.
The artisan
The artisan embodies the essence of the process, embodying centuries of tradition and skill in her hands. With each knot of yarn and every precise stroke of the hammer comb, she ensures that no malevolence can penetrate the interwoven fabric.
The Wool
Wool is believed to possess auspicious qualities. It is ethically sourced from animals without causing harm, meticulously cleaned, dried, and expertly hand-spun. Typically, it is artfully dyed using local combinations of herbs, plants, and spices.
The Loom
The loom is a sacred object, often placed in the center of the artisan's home. It is believed to protect the family from harm and bring good luck.
The Prayer
The artisans start and finish weaving with a prayer called, Istikara, it's a way to connect with God and seek guidance in their work. They believe that by praying for guidance, they are more likely to create rugs that are beautiful, functional, and imbued with positive energy.
The Hammer Comb
The intricate designs on hammer combs are believed to create a barrier that prevents the evil eye from harming the weaver or the rug.
The Patterns
The textile designs originate solely from the artisan's creative imagination. The patterns and iconography may portray the artisan's own village, religious symbols, or aspirations for future generations.
Symbols
The yaz
The Yaz symbol holds a special meaning for the Amazigh people, who refer to themselves as free men. Its serve as a powerful representation of their identity and spirit.
The Eye
These symbols serve as a form of protection against the evil eye. With a cross at its center, it is believed to ward off negative energy in all four directions.
The Tree
Is a powerful symbol, representing the axis around which beings, things, and spirits revolve. It embodies ideas of eases, happiness, and fertility, and serves as a representation of life and knowledge.
The Olive Tree
Is a symbol of beneficial energy, with its oil representing a vital substance. In the Amazigh language, the word for olive tree is AZMMUR derived fr om the term TAZMAT, which means force or strength.
The Aries
Represent physical power and strength. And it’s a symbol of life and generosity.
The Seed
Serve as a representation of male fertility symbolizing the science of life and procreation.
The Diamond
Serve as a symbol of feminine, and when paired with the snake, it embodies the union of opposites.
The Serpent
Is a multifaceted symbol, representing virility and regeneration, as well as serving as a talisman against the evil spirit. It embodies the primal essence of life, serving as a vitalizing force that animates and fertilizes the world.
The Crescent Moon
Symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, where matter is born, matures, and eventually passes away
The Spider
Symbol of femineity, it embodies the qualities of diligence, patience, and harmony in the realm of work.
The Arrow
The symbol represents the projection of cosmic energy and vital force. With its association with lighting, it embodies the male principle of fertilization.
The Net and Fish
For the Amazigh people, the pisces symbol is regarded as a source of protection. Its association with warding off the evil eye has made it as a symbol of safety. Perhaps this is because pisces reside under water where it is shielded from harm.
The Fly
Always in motion, pestering both animal and humans embodies the vitality and fervor of life, as well as its capacity for perpetual reproduction and multiplication.
The Plus
It is a representation of the eye of God, the start that illuminates the path for a man during the darkness of the night.
Wheat
An ambivalent symbol it represents both life but also death.