Ritual Carpet

Ritual Carpet

c. 1900
Culture
Tibetan
Country
Mongolia
Object
rug
Medium
woven and knotted wool and cotton
Accession Number
2003.995
Credit Line
Neusteter Textile Collection: Acquired by exchange and Asian Arts acquisition funds
Ritual Carpet. c. 1900. woven and knotted wool and cotton. Neusteter Textile Collection: Acquired by exchange and Asian Arts acquisition funds. 2003.995.
Dimensions
overall height: 81 in, 205.7400 cm; overall width: 51 in, 129.5400 cm; height: 72 in, 182.8800 cm; width: 51 in, 129.5400 cm; length: 4 3/4 in, 12.0650 cm
Department
Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion
Collection
Textile Arts and Fashion-Asian
Human skin represents an impediment to enlightenment; the flaying of this skin signifies the transcendence of obstacles. This rug once possibly served a role in a particular rite: as a meditation mat for a very advanced practitioner or cleric, or as a place to set ritual implements. It could also make a space sacred for other ceremonies. Similar images, on rugs or as effigies, are used in ritual performances.
Known Provenance
Purchased November 2003 from Scott S. Gordon Asian Arts [Santa Fe, NM] by the Denver Art Museum
Exhibition History
  • "Debut: Textile Art Acquisitions," March 17 - November 25, 2007 (DAM)
  • "Cover Story," May 17, 2013 - April 27, 2014 (DAM)