How Does A Sheepskin Hat Show Its Unique Manufacturing Charm

Recently, I entered the Populus euphratica forest area in Shaya County, Xinjiang. In the sun, several craftsmen are sitting around the wooden frame to make a Calakur lamb skin hat.

The reporter saw that the cut leather sheet jumped in the ingenious hands of the craftsman, and between the sewing needles, a beautiful Calakur lamb skin cap gradually took shape.

Aimar Tunyazi made Kalakur lamb skin hat. Photographed by You Congzhi

The Calakur lamb fur cap has the characteristics of various fur patterns, good warmth retention, and has high use and collection value. In June 2008, the production technique of Karakul lamb skin hat originated from Shaya County was included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

Data shows that Karakul lambskin hats have been exported to Central Asia in a steady stream, and from Central Asia to West Asia, Eastern Europe and other places.

Its production skills are not only an economic activity, but also a bridge for cultural exchanges, promoting mutual understanding and friendship between different cultures.

　　 Unique craftsmanship

Aymal Tuniyazi, a resident of Shaya County, is a craftsman who makes Kalakur lamb skin hat, and is also the fourth generation descendant of the family.

Referring to his experience of learning to make a Calakur lamb fur cap, Aimar said that the most important thing was his father, and the family inheritance gave him a sense of mission.

Aimar introduced that the production of Karakul lamb skin hat mainly includes 6 steps. First tanning, put cornmeal and salt water in a certain proportion in the tanning bucket, mix them well, and then put the lamb skin into the tanning bucket to make retanning leather.

Karakul lamb skin hat is famous for its high-quality raw materials and unique handcrafting skills. Photographed by You Congzhi

Next is drying, drying in the sun. Thirdly, finishing: spray water on lambskin to regain moisture, shovel, finish, flatten, and pluck or cut uneven wool. Then it is cutting. Determine the style of the lambskin hat to be made, select a suitable cardboard model and cut it on the lambskin.

Next is the lining. Put the fur lining on the wood mold, apply glue, stick cotton cloth and felt, and then put the leather cover on the edge. Finally, it is a renovation. Take the hat off the mold, comb and cut off the uneven hair, spray water for renovation, and air it for shaping.

Aimar said that the production of Karakul lamb skin hat is the ultimate pursuit of details, and material selection is particularly critical.

He said that every step of making the Karakul lamb skin cap should be accurate, because any minor defect could affect the quality of the final product.

"Through fine decoration and embellishment, every detail of the hat shines with the wisdom and sweat of the craftsman, showing a unique artistic charm," said Aimar.

　　 The responsibility lies in the inheritance

Due to the impact of modern mechanized hat making method, the traditional manufacturing technology of Karakul lamb skin hat is facing the risk of loss.

"When I was 5 years old, I learned to make hats with my father. At first, I just thought it was fun. When I grew up, I learned that it was a unique skill in Shaya County." Aimar said, "I felt that I had a sense of mission. I wanted to let it pass on and carry forward."

In his view, this is not only a craft, but also a cultural heritage and responsibility.

"I know that this skill is precious and fragile, and it needs the persistence of our generation. I am willing to use my own hands to let more people know and appreciate its beauty," said Aimar.

In recent years, with the improvement of the society's awareness of the protection of intangible cultural heritage, the production technology of Karakul lamb skin hat has also received more and more attention and support.

The government of Shaya County and the cultural department took active action to create a good social atmosphere for the inheritance and development of skills by establishing special protection groups, holding cultural experience activities, strengthening publicity and other ways.

The local government also increased the training of inheritors of Karakul lamb skin hat making skills and strengthened the construction of talent team.

Not long ago, Shaya County held a ten day training course for inheritors of the production skills of Karakul lamb skin hat.

This training adopts a combination of theoretical teaching and practical operation, providing a platform for in-depth learning and exchange for production technology enthusiasts.

Arzeziguli Wusman, a trainee, said: "I like the Karakul lamb skin hat very much. Through training, I learned a lot of manufacturing methods. I hope that such training will be held more often."

"We will fully tap the county's rich intangible cultural heritage resources, improve the inheritance system of intangible cultural heritage, strengthen the cultivation of intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and encourage inheritors to teach skills with apprentices," said Pairizati Fulatti, a cadre of Shaya County Cultural Center.

Aimar Tunyazi taught his family how to make. Photographed by You Congzhi

　　 Vigor of industry promotion

Data shows that at present, there are more than 50 people in Shaya County who will make Karakul lamb skin hats, and only 10 people who will take them as career development.

Therefore, Shaya County actively promotes the industrialization development of Karakul lamb skin hat, and improves its added value and market competitiveness by introducing modern design concepts and marketing strategies.

This not only injects new vitality into the local economic development, but also provides a solid economic foundation for the inheritance and protection of skills.

Driven by the industry, this ancient craft is radiating new vitality.

"The government exempted the rent of the store for us. As long as someone likes my hat, I will continue to do it," said Aimar.

(Source: China News Network)