28.05.2025y.

The Turkmen people, throughout their five-thousand-year history, have created magnificent examples of artistic craftsmanship. One of these is Turkmen felt art, which has preserved its national uniqueness, reached a high level of perfection, and remained an important cultural tradition. Travelers, traders, and scholars who visited Central Asia have long admired Turkmen carpets and felt products, which are considered masterpieces of high art. According to historical assumptions, felt production first emerged among Turkic peoples, particularly among nomadic populations, whose lifestyle made felt an essential material. However, over time, as lifestyles evolved, the use of felt products gradually became less common. Felt was used in traditional Turkmen dwellings, known as Ak Öý, where it was placed on the floors or used to cover the roofs for protection against rain and snow. It was also used to make various items such as saddles for camels, coverings for horses, shepherds’ cloaks, and hunting dog blankets. Turkmen women have long used “Saryja” sheep wool as the primary raw material for felt-making. The process of preparing wool for felting involves several meticulous steps, including washing, drying, combing, dyeing, and layering the fibers. Spring wool absorbs dyes more effectively, making it suitable for creating decorative patterns, while autumn wool is used as a base layer. The color arrangement in felt decorations plays a significant role in their aesthetic appeal. Traditional felt patterns include "Ak Tüýnük," "Gözenek," "Aýna Goçak," "Älem," "Gelin Barmak," "Goçak," "Gapyrga," "Zynjyr," and "Alaja." Once the patterns are arranged, the felt is layered with prepared white wool and outlined with black wool. Afterward, the felting process begins by rolling reeds and puring hot water. Although felt-making is traditionally a women’s craft, certain steps, such as pulling the rolled reeds, require the strength of men. Their involvement accelerates the process and enhances the durability of the felt. Once the rolling is complete, Turkmen women press the felt with their hands, carefully refining the patterns. Skilled artisans create beautifully decorated felt products, which are not only adornments in Turkmen homes but also serve as an important cultural heritage that provides valuable insight into the history of Turkmen craftsmanship.

×

28.05.2025