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Nomadic Felts

by Stephanie Bunn

Believed to be one of the earliest textiles, felt has been made by the nomadic peoples of Central Asia for over 2,500 years and the craft still thrives today as an integral part of their culture. Valued for both its functional and decorative qualities, felt is used to make yurts and all manner of objects relating to daily life, such as carpets, interior fittings, carrying bags, saddle cloths and clothing. Traditional feltmaking is also still practised in many other parts of the world, and this book is the first comprehensive overview. It looks in particular detail at the Turkic and Mongol traditions, which include felt from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Xinjiang and from Mongolia, Tibet, Bhutan and South-East Asia respectively, as well as closely associated styles from Afghanistan and the Caucasus. Iranian, Turkish and Indian felts reveal historical influences from the Middle East, and felts from Romania, Hungary and Japan are also covered. As well as the history and technology of feltmaking, the book will explore patterns and symbolism. Illustrated with spectacular textiles from museums in Britain, the United States, Russia and Europe, as well as field photographs, archival material and details of motifs, this book will provide a unique insight into nomadic life as well as an inspirational source of designs for textile specialists. 144p, 200 col illus, 20 b/w line drawings (Artistic Traditions in World Cultures, British Museum Press 2009)

Review Quote

"Factually and historically, Nomadic Felts is spell-binding! For feltmakers, students, textile specialists and researchers this is so informative. From the first chapter you will appreciate the deep significance of felt throughout many societies and the ethnography of feltmaking peoples. Not since Mary Burkett's book The Art of the Felt Maker in 1979 has a book been published that enriches our understanding of felt in the past. It is full of magnificent illustrations that supplement the text while complementing the descriptions of the many patterns."

Ann Ross
Felt Matters, Issue 102 (March 2011)

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