| Description |
Needle grass (called chiy in Kyrgyz) is used for traditional handicrafts. Needle grass grows in all regions of Kyrgyzstan. Needle grass is harvested when it is ripe between 15 of August and 15 of September. If harvested too early, needle grass become fragile, if harvested too late, it becomes too stiff at the bottom. Needle grass is harvested with roots because the bottom part is the most durable and looks like a knot that prevents chiy from falling apart.
Making such mats requires mastery and patience because a craftswoman needs to wrap every stem of thatch with different woolen thread. The threads must make a pattern at the end. This makes needle grass mat making especially challenging.
• When harvested, needle grass is cleared of leafs and outer layer and then dried on a sun. Depending on a size of a future mat, needle grass is cut accordingly.
• Mats can be prepared manually or by using a special machine. Self-made weaving machine consist of two vertical poles with a hanger at the top. One perpendicular pole is put on top of those hangers.
• The perpendicular pole has notches to hang threads. Then, weaving threads are wrapped around two equally heavy stones.
• Stones are hang in such a way that they are located on a different side in relation to a perpendicular pole.
• Needle grass stems are a placed in such a way that top of one stem lies next to the bottom of another stem. A craftswomen takes stones and moves them back and forth in such a way that threads wrap each stem creating a pattern.
• When weaving is done, the fluffy edges of needle grass are cut even. The bottom part of the mat is not cut. The edges of mats are strengthened by a zigzag weaving.
There are needle grass mats both with and without ornament.
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| Social and cultural significance |
As nomads, the Kyrgyz people have always lived in close contact with nature. From the housing to clothing, everything was designed to adapt to changing weather and frequent relocation. Since the nomadic lifestyle was associated with many risks, needle grass mats were a must in every yurt. They are very dense and hence perfectly protected the yurt from dust and strong winds, but nevertheless, still let in fresh air and light.
There are widely used in everyday life. There are used for various purposes such as mats for drying wool or for making felt. These mats are also used as a cover for the wooden frame of the yurt, which comes before felt. Needle grass mats serve as an additional layer of insulation for the yurts. These mats also separate spaces inside the yurt. Needle grass mats also serve as internal cover for the yurt door called shik choi. In some modern houses walls are decorated with needle grass mats.
Needle grass mats are of high artistic value.
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| Transmission method |
Currently, the traditional way of transferring knowledge and skills of making needle grass mats has remained in Kyrgyzstan. Typically, knowledge and skills are passed on to young girls from their mothers and grandmothers, from generation to generation.
Craftsmanship is also passed on from experienced artisans of the community. Numerous courses, schools, and trainings are established across the country.
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| Community |
Craftswomen who make colorful thatch mats with patterns are called chyrmakchi. |
