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Felt Rug

Felt Rugs of Kyrgyzstan

By Simon Houlton, Unique Rugs UK

Felt is thought to be the oldest manmade material. Some suggest they predate weaving with origins in the Neolithic period, perhaps as old as 9000 years. In its simplest form, felt is produced by the simple yet laborious process of pressing together wool, water and soap. Historically, many examples have been found concentrated between the Balkans and Mongolia.

Felt makers of Kyrgyzstan are traditionally women who would make many felt items including Shyrdak felt rugs for the simple purpose of providing clothing and shelter to keep the nomadic tribes warm. Felt coverings would have been used to make the wall and roof of the yurt to protect from the inhospitable weather of the central Asian steppes, whilst brightly decorated felt rugs would be placed on the floor.

Although the nomadic lifestyle in Kyrgyzstan has largely diminished; felt rugs continue to be made for the home, tourists and a small, yet dedicated, export market. The making of a Shyrdak felt rug is still done by traditional methods. Each rug takes the wool from approximately four sheep; the wool is then cleaned and dyed using natural dyes. The maker chooses vividly contrasting colours such as red and green or brown and orange; different colours represent different aspect of the surrounding environment. For example, red and blue together represents the Tien Shan Mountains and Lake Issyk kul. A pattern is then marked onto a thick naturally coloured backing layer in chalk and a contrasting pattern is laid out incorporating the symbolic motifs of the Kyrgyz people. The felt rug is the soaked with soapy water and rolled into a tight bundle that is then kneaded. This process is repeated until the felt is firm and the pattern set. Once the felt rug is dried the pattern is stitched to strengthen the edges and provide another contrasting colour. The final result is a stunning, stylised positive/negative example.

A Shyrdak felt rug will last approximately 30 years provided proper use. Generally, cleaning is needs are minimal: The high lanolin content of the wool acts as a natural stain repellent against spills, as most liquids and non-sever spills may easily be dabbed up. The best way to care for a Shyrdak rug is to use a gentle air vacuum. This will remove any surface dirt and pilling of the wool fibre.

Shyrdak rugs are a desirable alternative to other area rug options. The dual interest with felted rugs may also be incorporated in wall design as hangings even within modern homes. Although relatively unheard of within the floor covering market, and somewhat difficult to obtain, such rugs are steadily gaining popularity and becoming more readily available in the West. Older examples often hold their value well, and in many fine examples are sought after by collectors. A fine example in excess of fifty years has appeal to a widely growing audience with appreciation potential and sound investment.

Additional Examples of Felt Rugs.