The last of Iraq's hand-woven carpets
Once an Iraqi trademark and a sought-after speciality, it seems like the handmade carpet industry in Iraq is drawing its last breath.
BABIL, Iraq — Umm Hassan, 60, from western al-Hamza, 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Baghdad, learned handmade carpet weaving from her mother when she was 10 and still practices the craft.
The local name given to women who weave handmade carpets is “Al-Hawwakah,” (Arabic for weaver). Umm Hassan spoke to Al-Monitor about her work.
“I've been weaving for many years. I employed some workers and together we would make three or four carpets per month. Work was profitable and in high demand to the extent that buyers would order carpets in advance,” she said. According to Umm Hassan, completing the work on a carpet took about two weeks and in the '80s and '90s the carpets cost about $40 each, a relatively expensive price at the time.
However, time and circumstances conspired against Umm Hassan, and she got tired. She was no longer able to work, except for limited periods, given the absence of opportunities that could capitalize on her expertise and train a new generation to master the skills of this traditional industry.
