Prayer Rug

Description

The representation of hands on either side of the arch is found almost exclusively on Caucasian prayer carpets. They are traditionally associated with the placement of the faithful's hands during prayer. Additional symbolism has developed, based on Koranic references to the Hand of Allah, which can be associated with the magic number five, derived from the five basic beliefs of Islam, the five daily prayers, and the five members of the Prophet's family: Mohammed, Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husain.

Prayer Rug

1850-1900

Accession Number

72815

Medium

Wool; plain weave with supplementary wrapping wefts forming cut pile "Turkish" (Ghiordes) knots

Dimensions

160.3 × 124.7 cm (63 × 49 1/8 in.)

Classification

weaving - carpet

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Minnie L. Patterson