19th C Armenian Kilim. Armenian Highland, Kars or possibly Mush (Vaspouragan)

All wool. Slit tapestry weave. The repeated motif is the Anatolian Goddess. The Anatolian Goddess motif was worshipped by the Ancient Phrygians as “Matar Kubileya”. She was the goddess protector of the mountains and wild life. Later that deity became “Cybele”. There are various theories about the origins of the Phrygians. The main theory is that they originated in the Balkans then mixed with Proto-Armenians. Kurds wove this design too but this one is Armenian.

I will explain why. The Anatolian Goddess here is a Christian variation. You can see the crosses on her head and around her. She is giving birth. In other words, this is a metaphor for Mary/Jesus. You can see the same motif on an Armenian illuminated manuscript from the 12th C.Also a similar kilim in the Armenian History Museum identified as from Mush. 12'10" x 4'10"

Similar kilim in the Armenian History Museum identified as from Mush. 12'10" x 4'10"