This type of rug (called Astgh-havk in Armenian) gets its name from the ornamental motifs present in its design. The rug features a symmetrical arrangement, with its main motif being an eight-pointed star and a blossomed cross placed in the center. The cross symbolizes the merging of masculine and feminine principles, as well as the idea of procreation.
For most variations, the shield is typically surrounded on both sides by firebirds, winged horses, or other mythical animals, linking the shield to representations of the sun and sky. The entire field of the rug is decorated with floral and small animal motifs.
By mistake, rugs of the "Astgh-havk" type are called "Aghtsafa" in literature, even though, according to the observation of the renowned Western expert on carpets, Yan Beneti, they were never woven in the mentioned settlement. In some villages of the region, the name "Astgh-havk" indicates that there was a coincidental or intentional resemblance to the place name "Aghtsafa," due to the similarity in sound.
To this day, the territorial affiliation of the "Aghstafa" type carpets remains disputed among carpet experts. The earliest examples of this type are closely related in textile terms to carpets from the Shirvan region, leading some to believe that "Astgh-havk" rugs were woven in the regions of Quba and Shirvan.
“Star-Pheasants” (Astgh-havk) type rugs are highly valued in the international carpet market due to their artistic and unique design. For such rugs, the base color is usually blue, although red is also sometimes used.
As a distinct type of rug, examples began to appear in the 19th century. The earliest examples had a specific type of woolen weave, and in rare cases, a mixture of goat hair and wool was used for the weave.
The rug is characteristic of the regions of Utik, Syunik, Vayots Dzor, and Dizak.
Source: Armenian Carpet Art, XVII-XX cc., History Museum of Armenia.
Abraham Levi Moheban;The Encyclopedia of Antique Carpets, Twenty Five Centuries of Weaving.