Handloom Carpets and Dhurries by Weaver Yasmin Ansari from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh

Personal Details

Hi! I am Yasmin Ansari, a handloom carpets and dhurries weaver/manufacturer. I was born in a family of weavers in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. My father and other family members are in weaving silk sarees. I have seen my elders working on looms and making new products.

Handloom Carpets & Dhurries Weaving Skills

After getting married I moved to Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Here too, there are national award-winning weavers in my family, but they are into the carpet and dhurrie weaving. My husband Mohammad Yasir Kamal Ansari is also the National Award winner for carpet weaving (2008). I have learned to weave carpet and dhurrie from him. As I was already familiar with weaving, it took me less time to learn this art.

Handloom Carpets & Dhurries Weaving Process

I use both synthetic and pure wool in making my products. To start with, designers provide me with designs. Then I buy wool and color them as per the requirement. After that, I set the loom (tana) and start weaving.

Experience

I have 6 years of experience in this field.

Specialization

Although I can weave both dhurries and carpets, my expertise is in weaving woolen dhurries. These dhurries are more durable and attractive than machine-made dhurries.

Future Plans

I also want to form a team to make these products so that I can start bulk manufacturing. I want to spread awareness about carpet and dhurrie weaving being done in Uttar Pradesh, India around the world, so that we can save this craft from extinction.