Turkmen: LangMedia Materials and Resources for Less-Commonly Taught Languages

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Turkmen Craftmaking and Art

Camelfigure

Figure of a camel

Carpet

Turkmens are proud of their handmade wool and naturally dyed carpets. Every Turkmen household has at least one handmade carpet. Secrets of the dye and specific designs are kept in the families of carpet makers and passed from generation to generation. In the past, Turkmen carpets are known as Persian or Turkoman carpets, and only recently have they been reclaiming their proper identity in the world market. Turkmens regard their carpets to be like paintings and often hang them on the walls.

Chainik Shapkasi

Handcrafts are very popular in Turkmen households. The above is a cover for a chainik to keep it warm.

Decoration

Decoration for a chair or sofa.

Painting

An oil painting by a local artist.

PeaceCorps

A handmade wall decoration given as present to a Peace Corps volunteer.

Walldecor

A handmade wall decoration.

Bag

A wool bag, handmade in the traditional style.