Join us for an insightful workshop celebrating the rich heritage of Kashmiri Numda, a traditional technique used to create felt rugs that have been an essential part of domestic life in Azad Kashmir for centuries. These rugs provide warm, colourful, and affordable floor coverings and can also serve as mattresses during the colder months, embodying both practicality and artistry.

With this unique craft facing the threat of decline, the workshop offers an opportunity to engage with and help preserve this important cultural tradition. Participants will gain insight into the process of creating felt rugs, often decorated with intricate embroidery featuring flowers, leaves, geometric patterns, and the iconic paisley motif.

The paisley motif, originating from Persia and known as "boteh," holds deep symbolic meaning, representing life, eternity, and natural beauty. It gained prominence in Kashmir during the 15th century through shawl weaving and embroidery, and later influenced European textile design, notably in the Scottish town of Paisley, from which it takes its English name.

Participants will have the opportunity to create a decorative hanging coaster using felt shapes inspired by paisley, leaves, and flowers, and will be introduced to the traditional Kashmiri chain stitch to incorporate into their work, reflecting the intricate embroidery of Numda rugs.

The workshop is suitable for adults and children (13+).

All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

Tickets

We've excited that we've received the funding to be able to make this workshop free! However, we have limited tickets to two per booking to reduce the impact caused by people booking but not showing up. Please only book a ticket if you are sure that you will be able to attend. Additionally, please do not book multiple blocks of two tickets - spaces are limited and we want the workshop to be as accessible to as many people as possible. We may turn you away at the door if it is clear that you have done so.

Image reference: Kashmir Digital Museum