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Anatolia · Protection and the evil eye

Pıtrak (cocklebur)

An evil-eye motif named after a sticky, spiny plant seed.

What does it mean?

The pıtrak motif is used in kilims to undo the effect of the evil eye [1]. It takes its name from the spiny pıtrak seed that catches on clothing and animal fur: its hooked arms reaching in four directions resemble this seed.

Related plants

  • Syrian rue: Foremost among the plants used against the evil eye.

Same theme

Göz (eye)Muska (amulet)Çengel (hook)Akrep (scorpion)Kurtağzı (wolf’s mouth)Tanrı’nın gözü (eye of God)El, Fatma Ana eli (hand, hand of Fatima)Çintemani

Sources

  1. Hakkâri Kilimi coğrafi işaret tescil belgesi, Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu, 2023

Drawing: Bitki Tabanı, interpreted from the traditional motif.