For centuries, Caucasian peoples have been famous for their exquisitely patterned carpets, which were used to winterize and decorate homes.
The ancient Ingush art of felts making, as well as in a narrow sense a traditional one-piece carpet with sewed-on national ornaments are referred to isting.
The most popular carpets in Dagestan - arbabashs - are made of two or more felts dyed in different colors. The pattern on such products is mostly vegetal, with smooth outlines.
An important place in the folk daily life of the Balkars belongs to Ala-kiyiz felt carpets, symbolizing the way of life of bygone eras. In earlier times, they were used in many rituals and as a decoration of houses.
In North Ossetia, unique woolen items were at one time made in every home for all family members. The skills were passed on from the older generation to the younger one, but as time went on, the secrets of the craft were lost.
At present, connoisseurs of folk art are working on preserving the national culture, restoring the ancient craft; felting schools are being opened, and master classes are being held for all those interested.
The postage stamps feature fragments of patterns from national felt carpets of the Republic of Ingushetia, the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, and the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.
| Paper |
Printing method |
Perforation |
Format of the stamp |
Format of the sheet |
Edition |
| Chalk surfaced |
Offset + security system |
Frame 11¼ |
50 × 50 × 70 mm |
80 × 80 mm |
30 thousand blocks of four |