Bag
Let's learn more about the chanta (bag) from the museum's Carpet Products collection!
A chanta is a small handbag in the form of a quadrangle made using pile and flat-woven techniques. It was used for carrying small objects. In ancient times, it was also known as a govlug. It has a strap for hanging on the shoulder. The museum’s collection stores varicolored and exquisitely decorated bags from different regions of Azerbaijan.
One of the most interesting examples is a Shirvan’s chanta with images of stylized male and female figures in traditional costume, which was designed with sacred symbols. At the top of the male figure are motifs in the shape of a bird, while at the bottom of the female figure is a motif in the shape of a two-sided comb. Elements on the border illustrate the protection of family happiness. Perhaps this bag was woven for a wedding and kept as a memory of happy days.
Bag. Shirvan, Azerbaijan. Late 19th century. Warp, weft – wool, patterning yarn – wool, cotton. Interweaving, wrapping. Inv. No. 1402
