Hand-Embroidered and Woven Burgundy Cashmere Wool Shawl - Burgundy Star

Artisan Organization: Zoufik Kantarian

Country: Armenia

"My name is Zoufik, and I come from a rich tapestry of Armenian heritage that has been woven through generations of resilience and artistry. My family's roots trace back to Urfa, where my great-grandmother and great-grandfathers lived before the dark times of the genocide. My mother, Anahit Arakelian, hailed from Der-Zor, while my father, Vardges Gantarjian, came from Dlapiat. After enduring unimaginable hardships, they settled in Aleppo, where they raised their family and kept our culture alive.

"Growing up in a vibrant Armenian community in Syria, I was surrounded by the remnants of our rich heritage. My parents were part of a family of five children, and my upbringing was steeped in the traditions of our ancestors. One of those cherished traditions was embroidery, a skill that had been passed down through the generations. In Aleppo, embroidery was not just an art form; it was a means of survival for many Armenian emigrants who had fled the genocide. My grandmothers were among those who kept this tradition alive, teaching us the delicate craft of needlework. For them, it was a way to stay connected to their roots while navigating life in an Arab country where they had to be cautious in their interactions with others.

"As a child, I watched my mother embroider beautiful pieces for our home, often quietly working on her projects as I played nearby. I remember being fascinated by the vibrant colors of the threads and the intricate designs that seemed to come to life under her skilled hands. There were times when I would secretly take her work, adding my touches to it, hoping she wouldn’t notice. I was always careful, fearing she might scold me or, worse, ruin her masterpiece. At twelve, my mother finally let me draw on some pieces, which opened a door for me. It was my sister who took the time to teach me the finer points of our craft, nurturing my budding talent.

"One of my most treasured possessions from that time is a pillow adorned with marashi embroidery that I created during my early years. It serves as a beautiful reminder of my first experience in this artistic world and my family's legacy. As I worked on that pillow, I discovered that needlework was not merely a hobby; it was a language through which I could express my thoughts, emotions, and creativity.

"Over time, my relationship with embroidery blossomed. What began as a simple pastime transformed into a profound passion. I often felt as though needlework opened a whole new world for me, offering peace, harmony, and an avenue for my imagination to soar. My parents, with their modest means, would give me a small allowance, and I would save it to buy a single piece of thread to continue my creations. Each stitch was a step towards expressing myself, a way to honor my heritage.

"Years later, after I got married, a guest visited our home and sparked a new challenge for me. They encouraged me to take on a larger project—a three-meter-long tablecloth. It was daunting, but I felt ready to embrace the challenge. This was my first significant undertaking, and it marked a turning point in my journey as an artisan. The experience taught me not only the technical skills required for such intricate work but also the importance of perseverance and dedication.

"Today, I find immense joy in continuing the craft that has been a part of my family for generations. Every piece I create is infused with the stories of my ancestors and the memories of my childhood. I draw inspiration from the beautiful patterns and colors that reflect our rich Armenian culture, and I hope to share this legacy with others through my work.

"As I embrace my identity as an artisan, I remain committed to honoring my family's heritage and the traditions that have shaped my life. I believe that through embroidery, I can connect with others, share my experiences, and contribute to the ongoing narrative of our people. My journey is a testament to the resilience of the Armenian spirit, and I invite you to explore the beauty of my creations as we celebrate the artistry of our culture together.""