Due to the environment and traditional conditions of life of the Turkmen, felt rugs (keche) were and still are one of the most needed items in the household. Felt rugs were affordable and available to ordinary people.
Felt sheets were used to cover the nomadic dwelling—the yurt and to cover the ground inside it.
The entire process of producing Turkmen felt rugs is manual. The basic material used is sheep wool. Ornament is felted into the product. Artisans, while on their knees, mangle back and forth a roll of multicoloured wool. From time to time, hot water is poured on top of the roll. It is tapped and beaten with palms and elbows, in order to let layers of wool hold together. That’s how a new felt rug is born.
Due to the sheep’s wool, the rug not only keeps the premises warm but also keeps the dwelling and its inhabitants safe.
Nowadays, despite the drastic changes in the way of life, it still remains a very important attribute of the interior of Turkmen dwelling.