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Oimo: Threads of Empowerment
Women Empowerment Initiative
The idea of Oimo Empowerment emerged during my fieldwork while conducting research though I have always wanted to preserve the process of making carpets. Migration often prevents people from maintaining traditional crafts, as they face limited resources to produce and sell their handmade felts, carpets, and other items. This project aims to bridge that gap by connecting artisans with interested buyers, including through online platforms, helping sustain both cultural heritage and livelihoods. I am looking for donation to start this project.
During my undergraduate years, I was actively engaged in supporting local communities. In collaboration with tourists, I guided visitors from America and Europe to purchase locally made handicrafts from unemployed women producing high-quality Oimo, Shyrdak, and Chadar. If you are interested in one of those locally crafted carpets, let us know.
Two Color - 250 USD
Terme - 415 USD
Terme - 300 USD
Simple Colors - 150 USD
Unlocking the Hidden Potential of Pastoral Heritage
While nomadic sheep wool is often perceived as coarse, it remains a durable and versatile resource. Every year, particularly during holiday seasons, vast quantities of this wool are discarded by pastoral societies. This stands in stark contrast to the poultry industry; while a Thanksgiving turkey is raised for a single day consumption, sheep wool offer a renewable byproduct that is currently left unprocessed. This represents a major economic development opportunity for marginalized communities. By transforming these neglected pastoral materials into value-added goods, following the success of specialty fibers like Cashmere and Bactrian camel wool, we can unlock the untapped potential of these local economic development .Kiyiz and Shyrdak not merely material assets from pastoral livelihoods; they are an integral part of Kyrgyz culture, providing inspiration for artists and filmmakers. Today, Bishkek hosts the International Oimo Conference, and the fur trade culture of the Silk Road holds far more historical than contemporary significance.
Connecting with nomadic peoples in Kara-Kul lake area.
Kyrgyz Wool Carpets - 150 USD
Kilem from Alai Valley - 200 USD
A process of working with sheep wool.
Nomadic herders setting up a yurt in Madian valley.
Making Kiyiz for yurt in Alichor valley
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