In the quaint city of Isfahan, Iran’s cultural capital, lies a lifestyle as old as time itself. A craft surpassed down via generations, a testament to the rich cultural historical past of the Persian people. This is the story of Kolah Namadi, the high-quality Iranian wool felt hat, and the professional artisans who breathe existence into it.
Iran (IMNA) - The sunlight which heralded the dawning of yet another day had transformed the sky into a splendor with tones of gold. Under the silent roar of the morning air, a workshop with the humble surroundings of an ancient neighborhood gets busy.The atmosphere is magical and full of excitement while the master Aliakbar prepares for the everyday routine.
While his hands as callouses, as treaty, have spent all his lifetime honing his skills in Kolah Namadi art. His morning starts with the choice of the best and suitable sheep wool gathered from the region having the best pasture specific for the sheep.
The texture of the fibers is as gentle as mere whispering. They are carded and combed in detail to assure homogeneity, then the wool is dyed. Balancing the color saturation requires a certain kind of finesse from the artist; a skill only some artisans possess. The wool, at once filled with vibrant black-and-white colors in circular motifs, is now embarking on a trip of drying off.
Like wool does when drying outside in the sunlight, he adjusts his tools for the process of felt-making. Now his rhythm is incorporated, he is beating the wool this way and that, the layers become denser, and the felt somehow increases in thickness and resistance. The tune of his precise shot, which smashes the ball in the middle, triggers a battle of ancient customs and skills in the classroom, a harmony of tradition as well as mastership. Thereafter, Aliakbar processes the wool by repeatedly pressing and compacting it till it has reached the desired thickness. Subsequently, he intricately cuts out the patterns that are unique to the Kolah Namadi.
The artisan's eyes dance over the layout, his fingers following the curves and angles without problems. Each artistic movement is a testimony of his mastery, a tale etched into the felt, waiting to be unfolded. The final step of the procedure is the maximum sensitive and time-consuming. Aliakbar meticulously assembles the hat, carefully places the felt on the wooden hat block. As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the workshop, Aliakbar creates his masterpieces. The Kolah Namadi shines with a radiance that speaks of the endless hours of willpower and the unwavering spirit of its maker.
Kolah Namadi is by far living evidence of the enduring traditions of Iran. And so, the art continues to thrive within the hearts and hands of the professional artisans of Isfahan. Through their extraordinary devotion, they hold a legacy that transcends generations, ensuring that the spirit of Iran lives on in every handmade hat.
Kolah Namadi represents the Iranian nomad’s cultural identity
Throughout the a long time, the Kolah Namadi has become more than only a headpiece; it's far a symbol of honor amongst Iranian men in antique times. Relics from historic Persia, now preserved in the annals of records, bore witness to the Kolah Namadi's prominence in Persian artwork. As time spread out, the hat's importance prolonged past the realm of aesthetics, becoming an essential part of the identity.
The felt hat, a long-lasting handicraft, found its way into the traditions of numerous tribes throughout Iran. Among the Lors, the hat's allure lies in its vibrant shades, with the Bakhtiaris redecorating themselves in black felt, whilst the Lors of Kohgiluyeh Boyer Ahmad, and Lorestan opt for dark and mild brown colours.
The black felt hat has persevered to thrive in the villages of Chaharmahal and the encircling areas of Isfahan, a testomony to its undying enchantment. In the Dilman vicinity of Gilan province, the felt hat with earthy brown hue, mirroring the richness of the land.
The Qashqais, knwon for their nomadic life, embraced a completely unique style of white (on occasion brown) felt hats in the form of a crown which embodies their regal spirit. Through the ages, the Kolah Namadi has transcended the bounds of time and area, weaving itself into the very cloth of Iranian heritage.
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