Perpedil – Kuba, Northeast Caucasus

Against a navy-blue ground, this Perpedil displays the most celebrated signature of Kuba weaving: six great ram’s horns — the wurma — drawn in blue, white and red. Exquisite red flowers flare between the horns, and each is attended by four stylized animals with six legs and bushy tails, creatures of pure weaving imagination. Rows of sword-like devices and a retinue of striped guard borders complete the ceremony. Perpedil rugs are among the most sought-after of the Caucasus precisely for this heraldic power — a village rug with the bearing of a coat of arms.

At 138 × 200 cm the piece is large for the type: most surviving Perpedils are small-format, which adds rarity to this example.