Our Wool…
Our rugs are woven with cultural history not only because of the centuries old traditional weaving techniques used, but also because they use wool from a breed of sheep native to one of Nepal’s most remote regions, Upper Mustang, otherwise known as ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’.
Situated 4000m above sea level it’s home to some of the richest preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture and is largely cut off from modern infrastructure. Wool production is integral to the communities livelihood within this region. The lands harsh environment and high altitude breeds particularly dense and soft wool which when spun into threads used for weaving creates luxurious, durable results. Combined with weaving our rugs in the highest possible density this makes our rugs particularly prized pieces.
The history of Upper Mustang is one of great legend. It’s thought that years ago a demon destroyed the foundations of a Buddhist Monastery being built here. Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to the kingdom, pursued the demon and the two fought a bloody fight. It’s believed that in the Guru’s triumph he scattered the demons body across the land, it’s blood forming the famous cascading vertical red cliff drops and intestines laying atop the cliffs to form the dramatic caves which are now used as meditation grounds and sacred burial sites.
Nowadays upper mustang is still largely secluded and partly populated by the Loba tribe, a tribe that still believes the earth is flat. Tourists need a special permit in order to enter this region and even with one can only stay for a maximum of 10 days ensuring the preservation of some of the purest Buddhist cultures across Nepal and Tibet. Preserving the production of wool within this region is what supports local communities. Our production team in Nepal are proud partners of Label Step, a British organisation ensuring the fairtrade practice within the Carpet Industry.
We’re proud to bring rugs that embody such cultural significance, woven using traditional techniques and dyed with AZO free dyes, our pieces are designed to become a centre piece of history, art and significance within your home.
