Rite of Passage - Tapinu 'e Mortu (rug of the dead) Crossing the threshold of pulsing colors

The "tapinu 'e Mortu" or "Tapinu de Mortu" (rug of the dead) is a rare Sardinian small rug (resembling the Turkish kilim) which was traditionally used as evidence of death during the funeral lament in the wake.

The "Tapinu de Mortu" of Museum of Popular Life and Traditions, Nuoro. cm83x174. (End of XVIII c., beginning of XIX c.)

1. The central motif.

2. Detail of the striped pattern.

3. Detail.

4. Complete view of the rug.

The "Tapinu de Mortu" of Ethnographic Section of G.A. Sanna Museum in Sassari. cm76x230. (End of XVIII c., beginning of XIX c.) (Photos: Stefano Flore and Gianni Pulina.)

5. The central motif.

6. Detail of the warp and weft of the rug.

7. Detail of the striped pattern.

8. Complete view of the rug.