The Ancient Felting Techniques in Xinjiang

Abstract

Dated back to 8000 years ago, the felting techniques were originated from the fiber processing skills used by nomadic tribes in ancient Central Asia. Xinjiang, located in Northwest China, is one of the earliest regions in China using the felts. Since the Bronze Age, the residents of ancient Xinjiang had mastered the primitive felting techniques, which had been constantly improved during the latter course of history, leading to the felts with era characteristics. This paper puts archaeological evidences and historical documents together as its research materials, reviews the history development of the felting techniques in the ancient Xinjiang, and represents the main features of the felting techniques in different eras.