Kyrgyz shyrdak & ala-kiyiz felt

East & Central Asia tradition · 2 examples · indicative market tier: Under $500 (entry level & living craft)

A shyrdak (Kyrgyz: шырдак, pronounced [ʃɯrˈdɑq]) or syrmak (Kazakh: сырмақ, romanized: syrmaq, pronounced [səɾˈmɑq]) is a stitched, and often colourful felt floor and wallcovering, usually handmade in Central Asia. Kazakhs and Kyrgyz people alike traditionally make shyrdaks, and most especially in Kyrgyzstan the tradition is kept alive, with products also sold to tourists. In 2012, Kyrgyz felt carpets ala-kiyiz and shyrdak were inscribed into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in need of urgent protection. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Where to buy

Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.