#1 The voice of a master craftsman
We chat with Tauquir, an expert in the manufacture of handmade rugs in India.
On our last trip to India, we spoke with Tauquir, the owner of the family business with which we have been collaborating since 2008.
What does weaving a rug mean to you?
The reason handcrafted rugs are important to me and many families in India is because they preserve and bring to life an ancient cultural legacy. My great-great-grandfather started making rugs as a way to make a living. Then, my grandfather and his 3 children took over, including my father. Today, we are a family business made up of 5 brothers and 3 sisters, all involved in some way in the art of making rugs.
"For us it is an honor and prestige to preserve family knowledge and tradition."
--- Tauquir
How difficult is it to make a rug? How long does it take for a rug to come out as a final product? For you, what determines the value/price of a rug?
It depends on many factors such as technique, density or size. A handmade rug can take between 4 to 26 weeks to make. Its value is determined by its fiber. For example, silk, mohair or cashimier rugs are the most difficult to obtain and therefore more expensive.
A relationship between threads and looms with more than 14 years of history
Haji Habibullah Ansari (father of Tauquir) with Nani Marquina
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2012
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2017
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2022
Does sustainability affect your production processes?
The truth is that we feel safe when we talk about sustainability. We are dedicated to making handmade rugs using mainly natural and recycled fibers. From the sheep breeder, shearer, spinner, carver to the weaver. This is a purely manual process. Furthermore, the rugs we make last for years and years, they are passed down from generation to generation, from hand to hand.
What does it mean to work for nanimarquina?
We started in 2008, 14 years ago, and we are very happy to continue working with such kind and genuine people. nanimarquina is not just my client, it is my partner. Also for the artisans who have been working with us for more than 15 years, Nani Marquina is a special client. They have a great appreciation for craftsmanship and our culture. In addition, they have collaborated with the Care & Fair organization since the beginning and are involved in India.
At nanimarquina we are committed to artisan work and the preservation of the local economy, promoting its development.
