Felting as technique appears

Felting as technique appears

Felting as technique appears in several books both fiction and non-fiction.  Elizabeth Barber (1991) in her book “The Art of Prehistoric textile” focuses on clothes production in Neolithic and Bronze age, and provides detailed approach to felting process. There are several other researchers who studies felting throughout it historical development: Serjeant (1972) about preMongolian period with focus on Asia, Irena Turnau (1997) about felting in middle age in Turkmenistan region. 

Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze … – E. J.W. Barber – Google Books

Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze … – E. J.W. Barber – Google Books

The real recognition of felt as an art form, occurred with the discovery of the Royal Pazyryk burial mounds in Altai Russian republic. Among artifacts 30 square meters felt carpet with coloured appliques was discovered. Due to the low temperature on the mound, the carpet was perfectly preserved. This unique sample of ancient art with unsurpassed technical qualities has an exceptional beauty and represents the Scythian culture. Today, it is the most famous felt object in the world and is preserved by UNESCO (UNESCO, 2018).

https://www.rugvista.com/blog/32/interesting-facts-on-handmade-carpets

https://www.rugvista.com/blog/32/interesting-facts-on-handmade-carpets

The felting technique has survived to this day and it is typical for the peoples of Transcaucasia, Asia Minor, Iran and Central Asia, the peoples of Tibet, Tuvin, Altai, Kazakhstan.  Turkmens became one of the bright bearers of the Iranian tradition of felt production. 

Nowadays, wool as sustainable and ecological material draws attention of fashion industry. Artists are actively promoting material itself as well as techniques to work with it. Therefore, felting technique is gradually returning to the modern world. It worth noting, that some artists are pioneers in their improved techniques and are developing mainstreams.