Uuk kap Ilgich late 19th-early 20th century

This is an Uuk kap Ilgich textile panel, made by Lakai artisans. In this panel, the dominant motif is the circle divided into quadrants, reminiscent of ancient cosmological diagrams symbolizing the four corners of the world or the cycles of time. The image is not unique to one time or place. We see echoes of similar patterns in ancient mandalas and the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals. Consider the symbolic weight: the mandala, originally a Hindu symbol representing the universe, also found its way into Christian architecture. Such symbols suggest an attempt to capture the infinite and cyclical nature of existence. This yearning surfaces repeatedly across cultures, revealing our shared unconscious desire to understand our place in the cosmos. These symbols resonate on a subconscious level, reminding us of humanity's timeless quest for meaning.