A timeless craft: the carpet making Industry
Skill in women’s hands
by Wheeda Ehari
This profession is one of the popular trades in Afghanistan and some people consider it as part of the culture of this country. There are different kinds of handmade carpets in Afghanistan which are very famous in international markets. The most famous design of carpet is the Torkmeni that is made with very delicate designs and beautiful colours. The important point about this trade is that even during the war period carpet making has kept its popularity and is still one of the most valuable trades in the nation.
Torkmeni carpets are the art of the hands of Afghan Women. They work hard to do this great job. The movements of their hands create these amazing designs and this industry which fills the country with pride.
But who knows these women and how they live?
In the pictures I took you see a Torkmen Family which are making carpets at their home. These three women endure all the difficulties they have in their life and continue working. The first pictures are the workshop and the instruments. Then you can see how they make carpets and how they crave the designs with the strings. In the end the carpet is finished and according to the women it takes three or four months to complete one.
