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Wool
As spring arrives, the Qashghai and Khamseh tribes migrate
hundreds of kilometers from their winter camps to their
green summer pastures in the Zagros Mountains. In these
areas, sheep wool develops its particular qualities
of sheen, strength, flexibility, softness, and its ability
to absorb natural colors. This unique natural product
is the foundation of the distinctive character of the Miri Craft/ Artworks.
From 1000 kilograms of highland sheep wool, only 150-200
kilograms are selected for Miri
Creations.
The wool produced in remote areas is what gives Miri Creations their suppleness, and tactile appeal.
After shearing, short fibres are removed and the wool
is sorted. Only the long wool is spun by hand – and then, only the wool of even length is chosen. The
rest is simply rejected in Miri
artworks. |
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Kooch
Dyeing Plant
A modern natural dye manufacturing facility approximately
25 kilometres north of Shiraz has been established by
Miri to create the highest quality vegetable and mineral
dyes. Using both traditional and modern equipment, time-honored
recipes and processes are followed under watchful supervision.
The Purity of Natural Colors
Indigo, madder roots, berries, walnut shells and
many other basic natural materials are used to produce
the dyes. As rug collectors everywhere realize, natural
dyes are incomparably superior to chemical dyes. The colors
retain their brilliance and do not fade. Most importantly,
with usage and the passing of time, they also acquire
a natural patina and harmonious aura. This is evident
in antique masterworks that made use of such dyes hundred
of years ago.
Using these dyes, traditional dyeing processes such as
the cold dyeing of wool have been revived and are being
applied again with outstanding results. Just as important
as the use of natural dyes, the wool must be prepared
in ways that facilitate absorbing the dyes. Natural products
are used for all of these processes. To create the appropriate
conditions of dyeing the wool, one makes use of natural
mineral salts and mineral acids, such as lactic and citric
acids, found in yoghurt and lime. Using such products
and methods prepares the wool to absorb dyes far better
than if chemical processes were used. The surface of the
wool is readied to absorb dyes far better than if a chemical
process were used. This also prevents damage to the wool.
After the dyeing process is completed, the wool is washed
with natural soap and pure clean water. Significantly,
when using natural products to dye the wool, pollution
of the environment is reduced considerably or eliminated
entirely.
While chemically dyed yarns pollute the waters, the
application of natural dyes maintains ecological balance.
Surplus waters from yarns dyed with natural materials
are used for irrigation of green spaces. This demonstrates
that a proper dyeing process is compatible with the
eco-system. Accordingly, raw materials obtained through
this process will not be harmful in any way to weavers
or consumers. |
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