The Weavers of Tradition
“Carpet weaving was the original folk art of Tibet. Compendiums of design and stylistic formulae were never compiled; most weavers were illiterate. It encompassed generations of extended families, and an oral tradition. It was truly a folk art, for it was totally anonymous. There were no great schools, and no great artists. Carpets were woven in such distant places as Nylam, on the Nepalese border, and Kum Bum, in Amdo; yet no attempt was made to define the weaving styles geographically. Old carpets were copied in new colors and arrangements. They were woven for sale, or as offerings.” – Thomas L. Guta
Every carpet sold makes a difference –
“A medium sized carpet provides work for one weaver for a month, and an income sufficient to support the family” – Vi Cottrell, Co-founder of Trade Aid (New Zealand)
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