Imagine turning wool into beautiful artworks that tell stories! Across the wide, open grasslands of Kyrgyzstan and China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, people have been doing just that for hundreds of years. They create amazing carpets and decorations using felt—a fabric made by pressing wool together.
Two special types of felt-making are ala-kiyiz and shyrdak. In ala-kiyiz, colorful wool is blended together using water and pressure to make bright, swirling designs. Shyrdak is made by layering felt and stitching it into bold, geometric patterns. These crafts are not just about making things look pretty—they are full of symbols of animals, nature, and spiritual beliefs!
In 2012, these wonderful felt-making traditions were recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage that needs to be protected. This means they are special and should be preserved for future generations.
In China, Mongolian felt-making is more than just a tradition—it’s a way of life! People use felt to make houses called yurts, clothes to keep warm, and everyday items. The patterns they create carry stories of nomadic life and the beauty of the natural world around them.
Today, efforts are being made to keep these techniques alive through China’s intangible cultural heritage protection system. This helps teach new generations how to make felt and keeps the traditions strong.
Next time you see a felt rug or decoration, remember that it’s more than just wool—it’s a piece of history and a story whispered through time!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
