Tunisia was always known for its weaving. Already five centuries has passed , the Greek poets celebrated “the carpets and embroidered cushions of Carthage”. The first centuries of Islam brought them fame and notability. Indeed, the Aghlabite emirate of Kairouan has played a part of the suzerainty of the caliph tribute in the form of carpet. Centuries later, the Portuguese embarked to their African colonies carpet of Tunisian origin. Also during the first half of the last century, the Tunisian expertise has been developed in a typical weaving, inspired by oriental carpets impregnated with regional and ethnic, in addition to motifs from ceramics and embroidery that shaped the effects of fashion and styles, tailored to the needs of customers and their evolving tastes.
Spinning and weaving wool were among the first things to teach a young girl in the countryside, but also in cities, until recently. According to tradition, when at the end of a woman’s visit and she is about to leave her hostess they joke about it. The hostess would ask if her company was enjoyable the guest would replied, “If I had brought my distaff” implying “I would have stayed for longer”. Furthermore warping and cutting a rug were ceremonial occasions and family celebrations, so the event was considered socially important.
Currently, the manufacture of carpets in homes has fallen sharply. We no longer necessarily see, as of old, a trade installed in each home with women and especially young girls working on it all day. However in some areas, the manufacture of carpets has become a standardized activity and managed institutionally.
