Women and the Art of Wicker Weaving in Southern Part of Azerbaijan
For thousands of years, Azerbaijan has been home to ancient human settlements, and the origins of its traditional crafts, including weaving, reach back to prehistoric times. Among these, wicker weaving (həsirçilik) stands out as one of the oldest and most enduring expressions of craftsmanship, reflecting a living heritage passed down through generations.
An Ancient Craft Shaped by Nature
Historically, wicker weaving developed as people learned to utilize the natural resources around them. In the southern regions of Azerbaijan, particularly Masalli, Lankaran, Astara, and Lerik, the humid climate, wetlands, and abundant vegetation provided ideal conditions for harvesting plants such as reed, local marsh plants used for weaving, and mud or clay.
From these simple organic fibers and materials, women created floor mats, baskets, wall coverings, trays, and containers, objects that were both practical and beautiful. Traditionally, woven mats also protected homes from dampness while decorating living spaces, seamlessly blending functionality with artistry.
The Hands of Women
In these regions, wicker weaving was and still is the women’s domain. Passed down from mother to daughter, this craft became part of the rhythm of household life. Women not only wove items for daily use but also expressed identity, memory, and belonging through their designs.
Each pattern, whether inspired by the sun, waves, birds, or flowers, carried symbolic meaning, reflecting harmony with nature and the cycles of life. Ethnographic studies show that Talish women in particular have preserved intricate techniques and motifs that connect today’s artisans with centuries-old traditions.
Technique and Tradition
The process of weaving begins with the collection of plants in early summer. Once dried, these materials become strong, flexible, and suitable for weaving. Artisans then weave them on horizontal or vertical looms using a simple wooden board called “si” or “paral” to tighten the threads.
These skills require patience, precision, and an intuitive sense of symmetry, qualities that generations of women have mastered and refined. Each finished piece, whether plain or patterned, embodies both craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
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Cultural and Ecological Heritage
Beyond their functional use, wicker products also played symbolic roles in weddings, dowries, and even burial customs, linking them closely with spiritual and communal life. Wicker weaving bridges material and moral heritage, standing as a testimony to human creativity, respect for nature, and the perseverance of women’s traditional knowledge.
In autumn 2025, with the support of PASHA Holding, VarYox.az Art Platform organized a series of workshops for women, led by mentors from Türkiye and Azerbaijan: Ayse Ozdemir (Wicker Weaving) and Vafa Ali (Branding and Content Marketing).
These workshops aim to foster greater interest in the craft among both locals and visitors, helping to preserve and revitalize it for future generations rather than allowing it to disappear.