Let's learn more about the JAHAZ from the museum's Carpet Products collection.

 

From ancient times, camel breeding mainly developed in the lowland regions, and camels were used as vehicles. Until recently, camels were fully decorated to make them look beautiful during holidays and celebrations. This decoration was called jahaz. The saddlecloth was put on the camel, the cleft of a chul was pulled on its hump, it was covered with kapan, then jahaz, and on the jahaz a shawl was placed that was bandaged with orkan. Some rare examples of camel decorations are housed within the museum’s collection. Examples from Shirvan and Karabakh, belonging to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were woven with felt, fabric, and the jejim technique, and decorated with shells, mirrors, and metal pieces. These decorations were used for protection against the “evil eye” and evil forces.

 

Jahaz (a decoration for a camel). Shirvan, Azerbaijan. Early 20th century. Wool, horsehair, leather, glass, cowrie (shell). Wrapping, knitting. 37x80 cm. Inv. No. 3960