INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In every area, unique weaving techniques have developed to cater to the abundance of local flora.Torqabeh is a region located just 20
kilometers away from the city of Mashhad
Known for its abundance of Eastern redbud trees, Arghavan in Persian, the locals have made a tradition out of weaving intricate baskets
using the thin stems of these trees
These beautiful weaves are commonly referred to as Arghavan-bafi.Each year, during either spring or autumn, the stems are carefully
When it comes to cutting and gathering stems, it's crucial to handle these plants with care, as they are quite delicate
If you make a mistake when cutting a tree, it can lead to the tree drying out, which is far from desirable
To avoid any negative consequences, it is essential to exercise extreme caution and execute every cut with precision
sufficient amount of time to increase their flexibility for weaving
The artisans deftly interlace the plant stems to create a pattern of vertical and horizontal strands, known as the warps and wefts
The majority of these items are typically found in round or oval shapes
To improve his grip, the weaver uses his toes to grasp the stem, and by controlling the number of rows, he customizes the size and texture
of the basket.To achieve a faded color effect, the stems are occasionally boiled in pots
The Arghavan tree is naturally dark brown in color
The local population has received the traditional knowledge of making mat weaves and Arghvan-bafi from their ancestors
They make a living out of crafting these exquisite pieces
These mat baskets are incredibly resilient and have greater longevity than other mat weaves
Prior to the widespread adoption of plastic, Arghavan-bafi containers were commonly used and are now a viable alternative to plastic baskets
You can clean them using water and regular cleaning agents
stems or branches replace Arghavan
The artistic tradition of crafting with natural materials is widespread in the country, allowing each community to create their unique
variations of cultural artifacts
A traditional craft practiced in different regions of Iran is the art of weaving baskets
Azarbaijan, the craft utilizes the Sousan tree, in Marand, wheat stems are used, and in South Khorasan, baskets resembling Arghanvan baskets
are created using willow, prunus, and tamarisk stems
This traditional craft highlights the diversity and richness of Iran's cultural heritage and is a testament to the skill and creativity of
