Patteren Felts: Problems Of Preserving Cultural Heritage of Nomadic Oecumene in Central Asia

One traditional craft of Central Asia, known since the era of early nomads, is felt making. By the time of epoch changing there had been various ways of its making and decorating. The development of nomadic oecumene was accompanied by evolving of ethno specific features of craft technologies, including felting. Transformation of natural pastoral economy, market development, modernization of traditional societies in modern times brought the efttciency of home crafts into question. Since the year 2000 there had been some work done within both national and international programs concerning preserving cultural heritage, including pattern felt carpet making. National and regional centres of home craft had evolved and a network of festival sites and actions, which presented design felt craftsmen from Japan, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and some European countries had sprung up. At present, the art of pattern felts is developing within inclusive creative cooperation and synthesis of traditions.

Keywords: Central Asia, nomadic cultures, cultural heritage, pattern felts, craft traditions.

Patteren Felts: Problems Of Preserving Cultural Heritage of Nomadic Oecumene in Central Asia