Motifs are derived from symbols that were used in ages gone by to inform, communicate and to convey ideas. Over time, some of these signs merged with myths, acquired hidden significance and moved into the world of esoteric symbolism. In this context, their use may not be limited to decorative purposes. Due to the hidden forces they are believed to imply, their primary purpose may well be psychological rather than aesthetic.
Here is a comprehensive list of commonly used motifs in Persian rugs...
Hands on Hips
Although the basic design is a stylized female, It is the symbol of motherhood and fertility. To observe the evolution of the motif we start with a mother goddess statuette of 3000 B.C.
Here are different variations of this form applied on weaving yields.
Ram's Horn
This motif is used as a symbol of fertility, heroism, power and masculinity that also called "Shakh" in Persian language.
Here are the illustrations of various motifs of ram's horn.
Fertility
Hands on hips and ram's horn motifs used together denote a man and a woman. The fertility pattern is composed of two motifs indicating the female and two motifs indicating the male.
The eye motif in the middle of the composition is used to protect the family against the evil eye.
Love & Unison
This is a symbol of dualism, it suggests the harmony between a man and a woman.
The motif is composed of two opposing colors each having a dot in the color of the other indicating that in nature nothing is pure or free of error. In fact, even numbers, especially two, implies reproduction and fertility according to the Persian culture.