Carpet Weaving Masterclass

Carpet making is one of Armenia’s oldest and most treasured crafts, found in almost every region of the country. The history of Armenian carpet weaving goes back many centuries, and it is mentioned by ancient writers, medieval Armenian sources, Arab geographers, and travellers. Records from the 8th–13th centuries name the main centres of carpet weaving in Armenia as Dvin, Karin, and Van. For Armenians, a carpet was never just a household item. In the past, it served many purposes – it was a warm cover, a table, and a decoration for the home. Carpets were so valuable that they were used to pay tribute, presented as gifts to rulers of Europe and Asia, and they always played a role at important ceremonies and celebrations.

The earliest known carpets showed scenes of nature. Later examples included animals, birds, and trees. What makes them special is that these images were not drawn realistically but with symbols – a tradition that later became a unique feature of Armenian carpets.

During the 17th–18th centuries, carpets with geometric patterns became especially popular. Eight-pointed shapes were often decorated with crosses. By the 19th century, as the study of Eastern carpets began, Armenian carpets came to be recognised as true works of folk art.

The growth of carpet weaving was made much easier thanks to the excellent natural dyes produced in Armenia, which gave the carpets their unique character. In the ancient world, the bright red dye called carmine was especially famous. It was made from the Armenian cochineal insect. Like the honeybee and the silkworm, this insect was kept and used by people. From the females, a substance was taken to make the red dye. The secret of making this lasting colour – resistant to time, light, heat, and moisture – was carefully guarded for more than two thousand years, passed only to a few people, and was lost just 400 years ago.

During the carpet weaving masterclass you will be shown how to weave carpets by hand. This is the best way to make a carpet, but also the most difficult and time-consuming. Knotting is a craft that is almost impossible to understand in today’s fast and impatient world. On average, it takes six months to make a hand-woven carpet. Why does it take so long? The speed and quality depend on how complex the pattern is and how many knots there are in each square metre. The masters weave carpets by hand that contain hundreds of thousands of knots. These knots are tied around wool and silk threads, creating different patterns, ornaments, and designs. The yarn knots are the main part of the carpet, and making them is very careful and detailed work.

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