At torba ilgich c. late 19th century

This is an 'At torba ilgich', a textile piece made by Lakai artisans with vibrant threads. At its heart, we see potent symbols. The central lozenge, a diamond shape, and the square motifs represent not just geometric forms, but also cosmological symbols of the earth and the four corners of the world, echoing ancient beliefs in cosmic order. Notice the teardrop-shaped symbols. They bear a striking resemblance to the Tree of Life motif, an ancient symbol appearing across Mesopotamia and Egypt. Here, they are abstracted, stylized. Just as the Tree of Life connected the heavens and the earth, these shapes, too, become a symbolic link between the earthly and the divine. The patterns also carry echoes of protective symbols designed to ward off evil spirits. Through such symbols, Lakai artisans tap into the reservoir of collective memory, a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level, carrying with them the weight of history and belief. This is how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.