COUNTER COVER 18

BIRDS

Birds have appeared very frequently in the iconography of many different cultures over the centuries.

Winged animals (such as doves, double-headed eagles, roosters, turkeys or swans) are normally embroidered surrounded by vegetation that frames the animals. This shows small differences beyond their shapes: the double-headed eagle sometimes has a large heart that takes up nearly all the space inside the body’s contours.

In Egyptian art, bird-headed gods symbolised the spiritual side of human nature. Tradition has linked them with wisdom, intelligence and quick thinking.

In Celtic culture, birds were believed to be the reincarnation of the souls of the deceased. Both cultures were impressed by their flight, swiftness and singing.