IKAT OR ABR-BAND FABRICS
The term "Ikat" has become popular in the West in recent years. Googling for the term will show you mass-produced fabrics whit a somewhat blurred pattern that was printed after weaving. These fabrics have got nothing to do with the Ikat that has travelled the Silk Road for centuries and originated in Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley. Fortunately, there are still a few places that manufacture this fascinating fabric, known locally as "Abr-band".
SIIRT BLANKETS
Siirt blankets originated in Eastern Turkey where they are known as siirt battaniyesi. The blankets are renowned for their fine sheen and long fibers, known as Tiftik. Tiftik gives the blankets an almost faux fur appearance and is made from a mix of sheep wool and Mohair - the shiny and precious hair of the local Angora goat, which is still kept by nomads and village people.
KAZAZIYE FINE JEWELLERY
Kazaziye is a fascinating and meticulous art form that produces unique jewellery made of pure silver or gold. While its exact origins are unclear, the people of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) perfected this handicraft during the Ottoman Empire, creating exquisite pieces for the palace.
NEPALI TEXTILE HANDICRAFTS
In Nepal, we collaborate with a handicrafts workshop specializing in dyeing, weaving, and sewing. Managed by locals, this social institution provides shelter and employment for women in need. They create a wide range of bags and backpacks that merge modern design with traditional dyeing and weaving techniques.
