Carpets, dzhurabs, ceramics, tea: products from Dagestan presented during the region’s week at the National Centre RUSSIA
The Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA has been replenished with products from Dagestan. Visitors are offered carpets, dzhurabs, ceramics, and fragrant tea. The new collection is timed to the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" and the Days of Dagestan.
Carpet weaving in Dagestan is one of the oldest and most widespread traditional crafts. For centuries, the skills have been passed down from generation to generation. The large-scale production of carpets developed thanks to the abundance of local raw materials, namely wool and natural dyes. Smooth carpets known as sumakhs are particularly distinctive. They are considered the oldest type of carpets. The village of Mezhgyul is famous for its carpets with traditional designs and national patterns. Products from the Mezhgyul Carpet Factory can be found in the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Dzhurabs — ethnic wool socks — are part of the traditional clothing of the people of Dagestan. Their history goes back several centuries. They are popular in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan. In Dagestan, the production of dzhurabs began in the 18th century in the village of Kubachi. At first, plain socks without patterns were made, but over time they began to be knitted with Kubachi ornaments. During the Great Patriotic War, cooperatives across Dagestan knitted dzhurabs. Highlanders believed that the magical patterns would protect Soviet soldiers. On the eve of the cold season, warm socks made of natural wool are especially relevant.
Balkhar ceramics of Dagestan is a craft that, according to researchers, has existed for about 500 years. The centre of the craft is the village of Balkhar in the Akushinsky district. Pottery is made using a simple potter’s wheel. Vessels are not pulled from a single piece of clay but built up with coils. The surface is polished, often with a piece of carnelian. Finished products are painted with engobe — coloured clay diluted to the consistency of sour cream, most often in yellow and white. Today, residents of modern cities can experience this ancient craft in the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA. Balkhar ceramics can be filled with herbal tea "Aromas of the Foothills".
The Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA is open daily except Monday, from 10:00 to 20:00.
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