Carpet-weaving in Armenia attracts young generation of women
Published: Mar 8, 2022 Reading time: 2 minutes
Rug-weaving has always been a branch of traditional Armenian culture. Thanks to People in Need, this practice has been rejuvenated with funding from the European Union. Within the “Transition from Education to Employment” project framework, young woman Armenuhi have taken part in a short-term course called Carpet-weaving for decorative items and rugs. This course taught Armenuhi and others to master carpet-weaving and felting.
Since childhood, the world of yarn and fabrics has fascinated Armenuhi. She learned embroidery at school as a little girl. With our short course in Carpet weaving, People in Need offered Armenuhi an unprecedented opportunity to deepen her skills and inspire her daughters to take up carpet weaving in this modern era.
While attending training with her Tatev, Armenuhi’s 9-year old daughter Tatev became curious about carpet making. “The trainer encouraged her by telling that she had a number of students of her age, which became a stimulus for her and she started felting,” says Armenuhi.
Yelena, Armenuhi’s eldest daughter, is much more interested in painting and has many paintings. Incidentally, her innate talent for painting has led to an interest in rug-making, and she took up training and now has a wish to specialise in it.
The People in Need supported short courses on carpet-weaving, held at Amasia Craftsman State School, have given Armenuhi ideas and inspiration for a business. She wants to explore and develop them, hoping to succeed in the business field. “If I see something beautiful and I perceive it, then I try to make it a reality in my artworks,” she notes.
Originating in ancient times, carpet-weaving has become popular once more. Armenuhi’s story of one family who became inspired and enthused by this ancient art form and its exciting new set of opportunities is only one of the successes of this project. Overall, 134 beneficiaries took part in the short-term academic programs provided within the scope of the “Transition from Education to Employment’’ project, which the EU has kindly funded.
