Armenian Sivas Alter rug 1850 or earlier

This rug has a connection to weddings because of the Anatolian earring motifs in the central panel. The earring motif symbolizes marriage as earrings are the most common gifts in Anatolian and Armenian Highland culture. The origin of the earring motif is ancient Anatolian and not Turkmen as is mistakenly believed. All cultures in Anatolia and the Armenian Highland used it. This rug could have been woven to celebrate a multiple wedding event at the Church. Central motif is possibly an Alter or the outline of a Church. There are so many references to Christianity on this rug.