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Umai: A Modern Interpretation of Ancient Nomadic Technique

Marina Begman introduces Umai, a stunning rug inspired by the ancient legend of Umai, the benevolent spirit and mother goddess of Turkic and Mongolian people. The rug, made from 100% natural sheep wool, is hand-felted and hand-stitched using an ancient and rare nomadic technique included in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The design draws from the legend's depiction of Umai's golden hair, creating a state-of-the-art rug or wall decoration for modern homes.

Creating Hair of Umay is a complex endeavor, following ancient techniques of shyrdak making and research of central Asian legends, including interviewing elder women artisans in Naryn. The wool, sheared from sheep in the spring, is washed, dried, colored, and pressed into sheets. These sheets are then cut into beautiful patterns and hand-stitched together, resulting in a soft, thick, high-quality carpet.

Measuring 3000mm x 2000mm x 15mm, Umai is a piece of art that can decorate floors or walls. It also offers practical benefits, such as acoustics improvement, temperature regulation, antibacterial properties, and resistance to odors. Each custom rug takes two months to make, including delivery, with the workshop located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Marina Begman's dedication to preserving ancient techniques and legends is evident in Umai, a design that not only showcases the beauty of natural wool but also honors the cultural heritage of nomadic traditions. The rug's intricate hand-stitching and natural color combination bring the legend of Umai to life, making it a truly unique and exceptional piece of art.

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