| Description |
Felt making is a traditional form of textile craftsmanship in Uzbekistan, practiced for centuries by nomadic and rural communities. It involves processing wool from sheep, cleaning, carding, and then manually felting it through rolling, pressing, and wetting techniques to produce dense, warm, and durable fabric used for carpets, clothing, yurts, and ceremonial items.
This ancient craft combines utilitarian knowledge with cultural aesthetics, as felt products are often decorated with colorful, symbolic patterns representing protection, nature, or family values. The creation of felt is typically a communal activity, especially among women, where skills, stories, and songs are shared in the process.
Felt making is not only an economic activity but also a symbol of identity, reflecting the pastoral heritage and sustainable lifestyle of many Uzbek regions. |
| Social and cultural significance |
Felt making promotes cultural resilience, women's empowerment, and sustainable resource use. It strengthens community bonds, connects people to ancestral knowledge, and enhances rural livelihoods. Decorative motifs also reflect regional identity, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expression. |
| Transmission method |
Felt making knowledge is transmitted orally and practically, from mother to daughter or through community-based workshops. Apprentices learn the craft by participating in the production process, from wool washing to decoration. In some areas, vocational schools and festivals support formal teaching of the tradition. |
| Community |
Rural women artisans, Traditional felt makers, Pastoralist and farming families, Cultural heritage NGOs and craft associations, Local cooperatives and handicraft centers
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