Along with frisky Ahalteke horses and fearless Alabay dogs, Turkmen one-humped camels, arvana, are an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of our people. In ancient times, camels not only were used to transport goods in the desert and steppe, but also became a symbol of the wealth of the Turkmen people. Camel owners tried to distinguish their animals from others by decorating them with bright carpets, carpet products and multi-coloured fabrics.
Camel decorating is an art of the Turkmen people passed down from one generation to another. Craftswomen put their souls into carpet covers which were used to decorate the animal. Each element of the attire had its own symbolism and was associated with folk signs. Speaking about carpet art, it is appropriate to quote the wise saying of our ancestors, “Weaving a carpet is like digging a well with a needle”, since this art requires great diligence, patience, high skill and fine taste.
