Shyrdak tale
Shyrdak is the Kyrgyz national felt carpet with patterns of large contrasting colours. Shyrdaks decorate yurts and houses – they are hung on the walls, laid on the floor and placed on top of furniture as decoration. Shyrdak perfectly retains heat, it is soft and dense, which makes it indispensable in winter. Such a rug can last for about 100 years before it becomes very worn.
Many generations of weavers put their vision and talent into the creation of these carpets, because often such shyrdaks were the only means of doubling the aesthetic needs in the daily life of nomads.
Now, in the village of Kochkorka, in the Naryn region, there is a process of revival of the craft. More and more craftswomen are learning the complex felt art of carpet weaving. The village has a self-organised handicraft community and craftswomen are creating fresh and original shyrdaks using technologies based on centuries-old traditions.
The heart and voice of this community is Fatima Ayypova, who runs a small shop-museum and promotes shyrdaks all over the world. Behind an unremarkable blue fence there is a real antiquities shop, whose collection can compete with the exhibits of the historical museum in Bishkek. It was Fatima who responded to my call to organise for the shoot and gathered the craftswomen in their national costumes so that I could share their amazing household magic with you.
