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| Wool fibres have minute overlapping scales or
plates, all pointing in one direction, like tiles on a roof. These
interlock into felt under pressure, heat and moisture. Felting compacts
wool, making it less permeable, warmer, sturdier and more water resistant.
In order to make a felt fabric combed or carded wool is laid in
criss-crossing layers on a cane mat. Coloured wools are laid on
top in the desired colours and patterns. Then hot soapy water is
applied and the mat is carefully rolled up. This is rocked back
and forth for a considerable time until the wool has shrunk and
hardened into a solid fabric.
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The team lays carded wool on a cane mat
at the start of the process |
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One of four felt swans found at Pazyryk in the High Altai,
Siberia dated to 4th -5th centuries B.C. The sculptural figures of
swans are stuffed with deer hair. They are thought to have symbolic,
religious or magical powers. The ancient craftsman has skillfully
represented the bird's graceful form. It stands on wooden pins, which
are inserted into the feet. It is a unique example of soft sculpture.
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| A felt tent comprises a latticed wall made of light wood
or willow and a roof supported by radiating poles with a skylight
in the centre under which a fire may be lit. The structure is covered
with large thick felts, frequently with ornamented felts at the doorway
and roofline. They are the first prefabricated houses. It takes only
a short time to dismantle and roll up the tents and move to new pasture.
This suits the nomadic lifestyle of people who tend herds of sheep,
goats, yak., camels and horses. The ground-hugging shape withstands
the gales and fierce weather of Siberia, Mongolia and the Pamir Plateau
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| Lessons for the modern user? Felt is highly fire
resistant, has great insulating properties, is easy to care for and
is made with natural materials without harming the environment. |
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