| Description |
Today, piled weaving is vividly demonstrated in the patterned piled carpets that are distinguished by their quality and durability. Sheep, caprine or camel hair is used for base of the carpets. Piled carpets are original and colorful as are other items of the applied and decorative arts of the Kyrgyz. Kyrgyz piled carpets, are weaved on a simple horizontal machine – ‘dyukoun’. Instruments of masters also include wooden comb – ‘tokmok’, which is used to nail picks and piles, a knife – to cut piled threads, and scissors – to trim the piles. Geometrical shapes are prevailing in the Kyrgyz piled carpets. These are: squares with jogged edges or elongated endings – ‘omurtka’, triangles – ‘tumarcha’, cross shaped figures – ‘chaidosh’, simple or stepped rhombs – ‘it taman’, star shaped forms – ‘jyldyz’ as well as various octangulars and etc. Plant and horn shaped motifs are also present in the ornaments such as ‘toguz doubou’ (nine hills), ‘alma kouchout’ (apple pattern) and etc. |
| Social and cultural significance |
Art of carpet weaving occupies a separate place in the material culture of the Kyrgyz people. The richness and diversity of this type of art, its social significance and place in the artistic heritage of the Kyrgyz people is immense.
As a type of decorative and applied art, carpet weaving has deep traditions. Many generations of Kyrgyz weavers have invested their vision and their talent in the creation of various types of carpets that exist and are in demand to this day.
For the Kyrgyz people, carpet products have always been important in everyday life, since in the conditions of nomadic life it was carpet products that gave the yurts the appearance of a cozy home as well as protected from the cold. They replaced the furniture, were used to fasten some parts of the yurt, and served as decoration. Outside, the yurts were hung with carpets, the earthen floor and threshold were also covered with carpets. Special carpet duffel bags were used to store utensils. Kyrgyz carpets are featured with high quality, strength, and durability.
Carpets were an integral part of a girl's dowry. According to the custom, coming to her husband's house, the bride had to furnish the yurt from the inside. As a dowry for their daughters, mothers had to make at least three carpets, so before the wedding, female relatives of the bride gathered and wove carpets together.
The manufacture of a carpet among the Kyrgyz people is subject to a number of deep-rooted folk traditions. Like so, collective assistance, called "kilem ashar", is commonly used. During the whole process of manufacturing, the craftswoman is assisted by her relatives, neighbours, or acquaintances. Before the start of carpet weaving, the hostess prepares refreshments for all participants. As the work on the carpet comes to an end, the participants receive gifts.
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