HUNZA CARPET

The vision of Hunza Carpet sparked off in 1995, when the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme generously provided the services of an international specialist on natural dyes. Traditional weaving in Hunza has historically been very basic - limited to a few senior citizens making coarse goat and yak hair rugs. This new initiative transformed the carpet landscape of Hunza by training young people, and giving them the opportunity to share the benefits of cultural tourism... Within a year, a nucleus of 15 young trainees - under the tutelage of Turkmen master weavers - themselves became master trainers. Since 1996, more than 250 women have been trained in Carpet and Soumak rug weaving. A team of qualified designers and dyers ensures a consistently high product quality. It is a tribute to the dignity of Hunza people that no child labour is used during production, wages remain fair, and the training of weavers continues. These exemplary pieces of textile art are being exclusively marketed at the..