Polychrome Embroidered Suzani with Floral Motifs

Just above and below the central rosette are two unusual motifs that are likely meant to be chili peppers. In Suzani, the presence of chili peppers is thought to have apotropaic, or protective, powers. That Suzani were usually made of separately embroidered strips can be seen in this example. Motifs may be slightly misaligned where the strips were stitched together. Also, some of the motifs have gaps at the seams because the embroiderer chose not to extend her stitches to the edge.