KILIMS The word “kilim” can have two meanings: as verb to describe the weaving technique or as a noun to refer to the finished product. Referring to the latter definition, the kilim is “a flat tapestry-woven carpet or rug traditionally produced in countries of the former Persian Empire, including Iran, Azerbaijan, the Balkans and the Turkic countries of Central Asia.” The merging of the Eastern and Western cultures is an important part of the kilim history. Believed to be Turkish in origin, it is light in weight and stands apart from the carpet. It has been described as a “flatweave rug in which warp yarns (those fixed to the loom) are interwoven with weft yarns with the splitweave technique. “ However, even before these influences reached Poland, the kilim technique was practiced in the southeastern provinces of the Ukraine and Romania. The old peasant kilims flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the later part of the 18th century they included French motifs. Presumably they were made to order by the Polish nobility. Peasant girls were employed in manor houses as weavers where they were exposed to imported French tapestries. Likely, they were encouraged to introduce French themes. The inter-war period in Poland was the apex for the kilim. At the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative Arts Show in Paris Polish artists, including kilim makers, earned international recognition. For the first time the reborn Polish Republic had a pavilion of its own where the kilim occupied a place of honor, a place where its national character was recognized. During this period, designers were clinging to its folk art peasant roots while exploring less traditional motifs. Public demand for them rose as did commissioned work. Some of Poland’s best artistic minds were joining in the movement. In 1929 the artistic, industrial and scientific advances of post-World War I were brought together at Poznan’s National Show. Attendance reached over 4 million visitors. Included in the show were the work of weavers from Wanda Grottowa’s Artistic Kilim Studio in Krakow. Workshops in Zakopane served as hubs for the flourishing of the art. The Lad Cooperative in Warsaw also produced high quality kilims. Serving as a testament to their value, kilims were the targets of thieves and gangs. (Source: http://muzea.malopolska.pl) In the weaving technique the warp and weft yarns are tightly interlaced or densely knit so that the warp does not show. The slitweave technique is used to interweave various colors. The kilim design is the same on both sides. Geometric and floral patterns are prevalent. Stripes are a common motif. Yarn colors run the gamut from vivid contrasting to subtle and soft. There are woolen peasant and non-peasant kilims. Stripes are the one reoccurring dominate motif that has survived its old Slavonic roots. It is one that has never given in to modern influences. Making a kilim requires many hours of work by a craftsperson. No technology has been able to replace the human hand. Each kilim is unique, telling a tale of the place and people behind its production. There are a number of places in Poland where kilims are on display and/or sold. The Central Textiles Museum in Lodz, the National Museum in Warsaw, and the Lad Artists’ Cooperative are a few. An internet search reveals more including the Tartaruga studio founded in 2017 in Lodz. Its describes itself this way: “Wspolczesne kilimy, dywany i tkaniny na sciane.” Its motto is “Kilim jest na cale zycie.” The company practices environmental consciousness: “For production of Tartaruga’s kilims we use only high-quality materials, most of them come from recycling but sometimes we use also new raw wool from a sustainable sheep farm. By using a kilim technique, we can reduce our production waste almost to 0%. Waste from making one 100×150 cm kilim fits in one hand and is fully biodegradable.” This company exhibited at the 2017 London Design Fair which hosted over 500 exhibitors from 28 countries. One attendee described the Polish kilims this way: “We fell in love with contemporary kilims, rugs, and wall hangings by Tartaruga – a weaving studio established by two friends – Wiktoria Nowak and Jadzia Lenart. Every piece is handmade with traditional tools and techniques, made of sustainable materials and non-toxic dyes. It is based in Lodz and that’s not a coincidence. The city is famous for its textile heritage.” Kilims are very versatile. They can serve a decorative or utilitarian purpose. They are used as wall hangings, floor coverings, furniture covers, throw pillows, dresser or table scarves, purses, and mats. Their reversibility enhances durability. Moreover, they are easy to care for because the tight weave repels dirt. Wherever they are found, they bring brightness and light with their splashes of color and bold patterns. A walk through our Museum reveals a sprinkling of them. They are timeless reminders of our Polish heritage.