GUIDING QUESTIONS

ARDABIL CARPET

  • What were some of the functions of CARPETS in the Middle East?

  • What important shrine was located in ARDABIL?

  • What is SUFISIM?

  • There were originally two Ardabil Carpets located side by side in the shrine. Where are they both located now?

  • Why did they make the pile of the carpet out of WOOL?

  • How many knots per square inch does the Arabil carpet have (this is essentially the thread count of the carpet, the higher the number = the more luxuruous)?

  • What does a high knot count allow for?

  • There are two lamps of different sizes that appear to “hang” from the central medallion on the carpet(s). What do art historians believe they are there for?

  • What does the INSCRIPTION on the end of carpet read?

  • How long do they think it took to make the carpets?

  • What year was this carpet made on the Muslim calendar?

  • Why is the Muslim calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar?

  • How are the carpets now different? WHY are they different?

V&A Article

  • This article offers another interpretation of why the LAMPS on the carpet(s) are different sizes. What is that view?

  • How do people now view the Ardabil carpet owned by the V&A Museum in London?

RESTORATION VIDEO: Whoa.

  • What dynasty was in power when these carpets were made?

  • The way they now illuminate the carpet periodically was done with a goal in mind. How many years do they want to preserve this object for "displayable condition"?