Felt carpet from the Hun Empire

Noyon Uul (mountain) is known as a sacred burial place for Hun aristocrats. Russian archaeologists have discovered about 200 Hun tombs in this area. One of the unearthed tombs was an aristocrat’s tomb, which consisted of a wooden coffin placed in a wooden chamber that was located about 8 -10 metres underground and kept in a frozen state. In the tomb, an exquisite felt carpet was discovered along with many other artefacts. However, the carpet was cut into two pieces when it was found. One half of the carpet is now on display in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The carpet is a unique example of ancient nomadic art. In its original form, the carpet was covered with red silk and fringed with dark brown silk; onto the red silk, geometric designs and nine trees were embroidered, and between these trees, 18 animals were depicted fighting in pairs. The animal figures were cut separately and sewn onto the carpet with woollen threads. These figures are assumed to be bulls, deer, fantastic tiger-like animals with manes and a bird-like being.