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Pile carpets are mainly produced in the south of Kyrgyzstan and are a special example of the weaving process.
Although it is known that the Kyrgyz were making pile carpets in the Middle Ages – although only small rugs seem to have been the main object of manufacture. Early Russian travelers considered Kyrgyz pile carpets to be of exceptional high quality. Having said this – the craft was not highly developed until towards the end of the 19th century. Production was mainly for use in the family and it was only later that carpets were sold in markets (and even exported).
Small examples would be used for making bags, saddle cloths and other items. Larger carpets, called kilem, measure about 150 cm by 300 cm and are usually edged with a long fringe of plaited threads. They were used to cover the load on a camel when moving from jailoo to jailoo, or placed over felt carpets (ala kiyiz and shyrdaks) inside the yurt. Most of these carpets are made from wool – but cotton was also sometimes used. Camel hair (wool) was often preferred because of its strength and durability.
Making pile carpets is a team effort involving several women, (according to one source six women were typically needed), working together.
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