Shyrdak Rug (small)

Measurements

Height

2 cm

Width

60 cm

Depth

100 cm

Weight

5 kg

Materials

felt wool thread dies

Tags

shyrdak rug floor rug teppich felt felt rug filz kyrgyzstan kirgistan

These Shyrdak felt rugs are hand-made in Kyrgyzstan in the traditional style using methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Patterns: The sample patterns and color combinations you see here are traditional Kyrgyz designs that look good in most western living rooms. Buyers typically choose their pattern and color before Mairam begins construction on your rug.

Positive/Negative Pattern Design: Because each rug is constructed with multiple layers of hand-pressed felt, your order creates a mirrored opposite of itself (see example). The Omurzakova family is grateful when customers purchase both the negative and positive images.

The cost of your shipment will vary by volume, dimensions, the destination of the piece(s) and, of course, the size of the order. We will transport your rug in the most economic way possible. For single-shyrdak orders, this tends to be a door-to-door courier such as FedEx or DHL. For larger orders, air freight tends to be the most cost-effective shipping method. Before finalizing your order, we should briefly discuss the best and most value-oriented way to ensure that you receive your shyrdak safe and sound.

Destination	Delivery method	Shipping Time (days)	Shipping cost for this item
All Countries	Kyrgyz Post	14-35	$50.00
All Countries	FedEx / DHL	5-14	$100.00
All Countries	Air freight	5-14	$500.00

Felt is made from local Kyrgyz wool through repeated hand-pressing. Together with Yurts, mountains and nomadic traditions, Felt is an iconographic material that makes up the literal fabric of this stunning country. Shyrdaks are hand-made using locally sourced sheep's wool. Each shyrdak is unique, designed and prepared individually, using the indigenous knowledge Kyrgyz of patterns, symbols, coloring and sewing techniques. First, the wool is pressed, rolled and stamped into felt. It is then dyed and hung out to dry pefore the pattern is created and cut, the yarn is spun and the piece is stiched together.

Favorite dish: Beshbarmak

Master Shyrdak Maker Mairam Omurzakova is a founding member of the Altyn Kol Women's Cooperative.

In 1995, she hosted a delegation from the Swiss development organization Helvetas. Upon entering her home, Mairam's visitors were astounded and enthralled with the family's rug collection. In these traditional rugs, they saw something of tremendous value for both the outside world and for the women of Kyrgyzstan. "I am so thankful to Helvetas," says Miariam, "They taught us how to make a business, how to sell our rugs, what our craft was worth."

Shyrdak rugs are independently unique to Kyrgyzstan. Each takes hundreds of hours and the combined effort of a community to create.

Mairam is very thankful for the global perspective that she's gained from selling her rugs. At 64, she is talkative, lively and has many stories to share about the history of Altyn Kol and her resulting experience. "Since beginning to sell Shyrdaks, my world outlook is always changing," she says. The particularly enjoys traveling and meeting people around the world.

Mairam lives in Kochkor with her 73-year-old husband who still works as a family physician for the local state-run medical clinic. She is supported in her work by her three adult children and by a warm network of family and close friends.