An article recently published by Label STEP featured the artisans of boutique rug wholesaler Samad. Images and stories of Samad's weavers were part of "From Wool to Wonder, A Glimpse into the Art of Rug Making in India" which is excerpted below. The full article can be seen at label-step.org.
From Wool to Wonder: A Glimpse into the Art of Rug Making in India
India has been a center for handmade carpets for centuries, with artisans passing down their skills through generations. With dozens of STEP partners producing in India, the organization works to verify and promote fair wages, ethical practices, and sustainable production—preserving tradition while adapting to present challenges in rug making.
With a tradition spanning centuries, India has long been a global hub for handmade carpets. The intricate craft of rug making is deeply embedded in the country’s cultural fabric, passed down through generations of skilled artisans. India’s vast weaving regions have traditionally been known for finely knotted wool and silk carpets, rich Mughal-inspired motifs, bold geometric Dhurries – flatweaves – in vibrant hues, and countless other styles. The country’s strength lies in its skilled artisanship, technical versatility, and ability to innovate. Workshops master everything from fine knotting and high-low textures to new weaving techniques and inventive dyeing and material blends using wool, silk, hemp, and recycled fibers.
Bilgu Prajapati, 59, has been weaving for 35 years in Amwa Khurd, Bhadohi. With the help of two family members, he creates rugs of various qualities.
Capturing the Craft: A Journey Through India’s Carpet-Making Regions
The ancient art of handmade carpet weaving is an incredibly complex and time-consuming craft. The final product can only be fully appreciated when one understands the dedication, skill, and joy of the many hands involved in its creation. To capture not only the detailed craftsmanship but also the stories of the people who bring them to life, STEP’s local team, in collaboration with US partner SAMAD, documented India’s unique and intricate rug-making process.
Beautifully captured by Indian photographer Amit Sihag and videographer Prateek Shrivastava, this visual journey travels through the country’s famous carpet-producing regions around Bhadohi, Agra, and Jaipur.
>> READ THE FULL STORY AT LABEL-STEP.ORG
Founded in Switzerland in 1995, Label STEP is a non-profit organization committed to fair trade and the well-being of workers in the handmade carpet and textile industry.
IMAGES COURTESY OF LABEL STEP
