The story behind the making of a hand felted and traditionally embroidered Kashmiri Namda felt rug is one that is steeped in tradition and culture. For centuries, artisans in the Kashmir Valley of India have been creating these beautiful and functional pieces of home decor, using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The process begins with the selection of high-quality wool, which is typically sourced from the Changthangi breed of goats found in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. This wool is known for its softness, warmth, and durability, making it the perfect material for creating Namda felt rugs.
Once the wool has been collected, it is cleaned and carded to prepare it for felting. This involves separating the fibers and removing any impurities, leaving behind a soft and fluffy material that is ready to be transformed into felt.
The cleaned and carded wool is then laid out in layers and soaked with warm, soapy water. The wool is then pressed and rolled by hand until it forms a dense, sturdy fabric. This process is known as felting, and it requires a great deal of skill and patience to get it just right. The artisans must know just how much pressure to apply and how long to roll the wool to achieve the desired thickness and texture.
The rug is then left to dry naturally in the sun, which can take a few days depending on the size of the rug. This is a critical step in the process, as any moisture left in the rug can cause it to shrink or warp over time. The artisans must carefully monitor the drying process to ensure that the rug dries evenly and completely.
When the felt has been created, it is time for the embroidery process to begin. This is where the true beauty of the Namda rug comes to life, as skilled artisans use brightly colored threads to create intricate patterns and designs on the surface of the felt.
The embroidery process is incredibly time-consuming, with some rugs taking weeks or even months to complete. Each stitch must be carefully placed to ensure that the pattern is even and balanced, and the resulting designs are often inspired by the natural beauty of the Kashmir Valley, with floral and geometric motifs being particularly common.
The finished Namda felt rug is a true work of art, combining the warmth and durability of high-quality wool with the beauty and intricacy of traditional embroidery techniques. These rugs are not just functional pieces of home decor, but rather a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmir Valley and the skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving these traditional techniques.
In many ways, the story behind the making of a hand felted and traditionally embroidered Kashmiri Namda felt rug is a story of resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges posed by modernization and globalization, the artisans of the Kashmir Valley have remained committed to their craft, preserving these traditional techniques for future generations to enjoy and it is our deepest wish to supprt them and keep this amazing tradtion and craft alive.