 A kilim is an Islamic <unk> carpet ( without a pile ) , whether for household use or a prayer mat . The pattern is made by winding the weft threads back over the warp threads when a colour boundary is reached . This technique leaves a gap or vertical slit , so kilims are sometimes called slit @-@ woven textiles . <unk> are often decorated with geometric patterns with 2- or 4 @-@ fold mirror or rotational symmetries . Because weaving uses vertical and horizontal threads , curves are difficult to generate , and patterns are accordingly formed mainly with straight edges . Kilim patterns are often characteristic of specific regions . Kilim motifs are often symbolic as well as decorative . For example , the wolf 's mouth or wolf 's foot motif ( Turkish : Kurt <unk> , Kurt <unk> ) expresses the tribal weavers ' desires for protection of their families ' flocks from wolves . 
