Grave rugs are usually the combined handiwork of all the members of the household and, in accordance with an ancient custom, are used to cover the dead before interment and the grave after interment, having practically the same import as flowers do with us. They are usually woven in sombre tints to express grief and in light colors to denote resurrection. The cypress tree, which is symbolic of sorrow, is usually the leading feature of the design and there are generally some inscriptions from the Koran.
Dowry or wedding rugs are woven by the Eastern maiden for her dowry. They are usually small in size and are seldom seen in America, as they are always greatly prized by the Oriental. A more definite description of them will be found under the heading of Ghileems.
[Illustration: SADDLE CLOTH, SADDLE BAGS AND POWDER BAG]
Mosque or Mecca rugs are sometimes called Tribute rugs. The wealthy Mohammedan rulers vied with each other in taking with them on their pilgrimage to Mecca rugs of the finest materials and choicest designs for presentation to the mosque, the whole interior of which was usually hung with carpets, beautiful and costly beyond description. Many of these so-called mosque rugs were of the Shiraz class. It is still the custom in some parts of the Orient to give rugs to the mosque as thank offerings for special blessings received and frequently the Mohammedan bequeaths a rug when he dies to the mosque where he worshipped.
Bath rugs are usually about three feet square and have a peculiar lustre due to their frequent contact with soap and water. One of these bath rugs is usually presented to the bride by her parents on her wedding day.
Pillow cases are known in the United States as Anatolian mats and are described as such in the chapter on Turkish Classification.
Sample corners are mats about two feet square and are woven for the purpose of showing the variation of border, color, and design to some wealthy ruler who wishes a carpet woven. They are afterwards used in the weaver's family and seldom reach the market. (See p. 328.)
Saddle bags always come in pieces of varying widths, according to the kind of animal for which they are intended. Those intended for donkeys usually run from one to one and one-half by one and one-half to two feet, while those intended for horses or camels usually run from one and one-half to two and one-half by five to six feet or more. Those from Persia and Anatolia are usually small and nearly square, while those from Bokhara and Beluchistan are usually large and oblong. These saddle bags are quite appropriate for bachelor apartments, artists' studios, or smoking rooms and are sometimes used on a suitable standard as a newspaper or magazine receptacle. (See illustration at p. 326.)