Language of Kilims
Kilim, a word of Turkish origin, refers to a piece of textiles woven with a flat-weaving technique. Today’s Anatolian Kilim is the expression of a tradition dating back an impressive 9,000 years.
The question is, are they expressing more than tradition?
“The woven patterns in kilims kept alive an unconscious inner dialogue between the women of anatolia and their foremothers”
Like Dario, many researchers believe kilim motifs make up a unique language linking centuries of people who crossed paths.
In Turkiye, the idea that these motifs are derived from ancient symbols, which are used to communicate and convey ideas is widely accepted. Some people believe this language to be abstract, while others believe it is even possible to 'read' a Kilim.
What we know for sure is that these symbols can have different interpretations, and the absence of an official written index only adds to the mystery.
We’ve done our research to present you some common kilim motifs side by side with their widely accepted meanings.
Why not have a go at identifying motifs you spot in your own kilims?
Exploring this incredible language, we created Tokens of a Forgotten Language, where we brought together symbols normally found on Kilims to create different themed knitware.
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follow the trail
Written: Valcarenghi, Dario. Kilim: History and Symbols, 1994,
A. Diler and M.A. Gallice. Kilimin Sembolleri, 2018.
Visual (In Order of Appearance): T. Selin Erkan, SALT Araştırma/SALT Research,
Kilim Motifs: Unknown original, reworked by studio halbuki, Poster: studio halbuki
