The Tree of Life is one of the most enduring and intriguing motifs found across many cultures and artistic traditions. In Persian and pre-Islamic mythology, particularly in Zoroastrian belief, it appears as the “Tree of All Seeds”, a symbol of the source and continuity of all vegetation and life on earth.

This kilim is the work of a Kurdish woman from the western slopes of the Zagros Mountains, woven around the 1930s. At the time, the weaver would have had little or no exposure to visual references, making it reasonable to understand this design as a reflection of inherited memory and collective belief, passed down through generations rather than copied from a fixed source.

Like many Kurdish flatweaves, this piece was woven spontaneously from memory, without a drafted pattern or naqsha. The design unfolds naturally across the surface, revealing a deeply personal interpretation of the mythical Tree of Life. The quality of the hand-spun wool and the richness of the natural dyes give the kilim a remarkable texture and depth, qualities that only improve with time.

A rare and meaningful piece that combines mythology, tradition, and honest craftsmanship.

Material: Hand-spun wool, natural dyes
Origin: Kurdish, Zagros region
Period: Circa 1930s