Traditional Textiles of Central Asia

Central Asia has a vivid and romantic textile tradition. Centred on the Silk Route that stretched from China to the Mediterranean, it is a vast and empty land of desert, oasis, steppe and high mountain valley. It has been crossed and re-crossed through history by conquerors and travellers, carrying with them rich textile influences that have mingled with the indigenous art of the nomadic and settled people. There are three main areas of textile production: the oasis towns on the Silk Route are the source of opulent ikat-dyed silks and velvets, fine cotton weaves and exquisite embroideries; nomadic tribeswomen produce woven textiles, felts and embroideries; and the people of the small towns and villages still have looms in their houses where they weave cloth for their own use, as well as for the bazaar, and, nowadays, the co-operative. This book is the result of extensive research by the author. The commentary explores the materials, dyes and looms; the types of objects made and their diverse regional and tribal variations; the clothes and costumes; and the lavish embroderies and embellishments.