Felt and Community Based Crafts

The locals, with the help of a Swiss Group, have set up women's cooperatives to make and sell the felt and leather-based crafts produced mainly during the long winter months.

The felt is produced from local sheeps wool, working it into sheets by rolling it behind horses along the road. Of course Yurts are the main product and they are warm and cosy and keep out the chilling wind on the high summer pastures. Some are highly decorated both inside and out. Carpets are the next on the list to cover the floor of the summer yurt or at home in the village. Slippers and wall hangings, both embroidered, look great. Natural dyes are the fad and cases for phones and iPad are appearing.




Ian Neuss