The Tajiks and many other people of Central Asia derive from Persian-speaking cultures of Iran. This unusual nimsuzani or borpush, used as a hanging or cover, appears to be related to Persian textiles. The central rosette and surrounding smaller rosettes with rings of embroidery emphasize the circle, an archaic motif probably referring to the sun. The crescent shapes beneath the pomegranate motifs may speak to moon imagery. Cartouches within the outside border contain abstract designs reminiscent of the inscriptions found in Persian rugs and Islamic embroideries and silks. Earlier suzani were often worked on homespun white cotton. In the 19th century, commercially woven cotton fabric from Russia became available and was commonly used for suzani. Motifs are worked in multiple colors of silk threads using a combination of laid and couched stitches. Long strands are first laid across the fabric surface. Then these strands are secured with short couching stitches aligned diagonally.