Damin Mamatov
Artisan Organization: Damin Mamatov
Country: Silk Road
"As an artisan hailing from Qashqadaryo, my journey into the world of weaving carpets began at a tender age, somewhere between ten and twelve. My father, a skilled carpenter in a time where selling anything proved to be a formidable task in the era of the former Soviet republic, would sometimes dabble in selling carpets secretly. The art of weaving was passed down to me through my father's stories and teachings.
"Our village has a rich history of handicrafts. Carpets, woven with dedication and skill, had long been an integral part of our heritage. The lush, fertile land of our region has given rise to thriving cattle farming, and the people find solace and livelihood in crafting carpets.
"Intricately designed carpets are created using threads made by hand on a unique tool known as the urchuq. Throughout the winter, women diligently work, knitting yarn, and as spring blossoms, they skillfully weave carpets by threading them onto frames. Cotton yarn, sourced from a nearby district and manufactured in a local factory, is added to the mix. This combination serves two vital purposes: it makes the carpets less appealing to moths, ensuring longevity, and it adds a robust quality to the weave.
"As I honed my craft, I began teaching the younger generation the art of rug and carpet making. I took immense pride in passing on the legacy of our village's traditions. Our patterns bore names that resonated with our culture and heritage: Archagul, reminiscent of Christmas trees; maidagul, with delicate small flowers; samovar nuskha, inspired by the iconic samovar; and Baghdad nuskha, often gracing the carpets meant for brides' dowries. In Qashqadaryo, the Baghdad ornament was a symbol of prosperity and happiness, and it was an essential part of many carpets destined for newlyweds. In the Chiroqchi district, we have a special kind of carpet known as dovrugh, a gift traditionally presented to brides as part of their dowry.
"I am not only a weaver but also a man of the land. I have my own livestock, which connects me deeply with nature. I have another profession that I am equally passionate about – cooking. With a large pot, I can make 50 kilograms of palov, enough to feed around 350 people. There was even a day when I successfully cooked palov in eleven pots, a feat I still look back on with pride.
With three children and seven adoring grandchildren, my deepest wish is to witness their growth and prosperity. My heart swells with the desire to impart my knowledge and craft to them, to ensure that the traditions of Qashqadaryo, the art of carpet weaving, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal lives on through the generations." "
