Needle Work of Mamaghan

Needle Work of Mamaghan

Needle Work of Mamaghan

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Mamaghan Duzi is the popular embroidery of East Azerbaijan province. Mamaghan is one of the counties of Tabriz and since this needle work is specific to this city, it is known as Mamaghan Duzi. This craft is a type of silk work. Like many other handicrafts, there is no exact knowledge of its origin or history, but some researchers know it to be at least two hundred years old. In the needle work of Mamaghan, the fabric is covered with colorful stitches and an octagonal star or Shamseh motif is created. 
The materials of Mamaghan Duzi are silk yarn and Dabit, a kind of thick cotton fabric. Sometimes linen is used as the lining which adds to the strength of the work. Today, since Dabit is no longer available, it has been replaced by Tetron, Trigal and Crepe fabrics.
Mamaghan Duzi is a beautiful and delicate embroidery of young girls and women of Mamaghan. As the traditional culture of this city, a Mamaghan girl should master her embroidery skills which has led to the prosperity and popularity of this craft in this region. Mamaghan embroidery is done in circular-like forms, such as coasters or top of the hats. Stitches are made from the center of the circle towards the circumference, and they are attached to each other and make the pattern of Shamseh. 
This step is locally called “Ay Chak Makh” or sketching of the moon. One of the stitches that is common in Mamaghan Duzi is “Dandan Mushi” or blanket stitches that are locally called “Dokmeh Qazaqi”. There are also chain stitches and cross stitches. Next to these steps, filling the motifs, stitching of the margins are also parts of the process. When a work is finished, no part of the fabric is visible. The motif of Shamseh can be found in the center of all the works. It is decorated with the paisleys that are stitched around it. Colors such as green, red, orange and purple are chosen in Mamaghan Duzi. 
In the past, this craft was used in a kind of local headwear, whereas today objects such as coasters, plate coasters, cushions, bags, belts, vests and Salfit (a kind of large tablecloth) are made by Mamaghan Duzi, too.
 


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