Zagros

Zagros pulls you in with the simple genuine honesty often disseminated by documentary films.

Patiently listening and modestly sifting through vivid delicate realizations, it sincerely brings to life different aspects of a traditional art, whose practitioners have fallen on hard times, inasmuch as their markets are stifling.

And it's a shame considering how beautiful their finished products are, how stunning, how unique.

How integral.

The herculean labour that goes into creating just one exemplar is mind-boggling from a mechanized point of view, but each individual carpet radiates such intense authenticity that it's surprising they don't sell for a bundle.

To an eager sympathetic clientele.

Zagros begins by introducing craftspersons then investigates their age old supply chain.

We meet feisty nomads who herd sheep across inhospitable terrain, forced to both cross busy roads with their flock, and carefully plan each conspicuous graceful movement.

The domestic remonstrations of ill-tempered critical children taunt a man who dyes thirsty wool, as he has for over 40 years, their protests related to a sparse income earned, his defence uplifted through blithe perseverance.

His children are still unaware of how fortunate they are to have unmitigated access to a mastercraftsperson, who can teach them everything he knows for the asking, and help them earn their own living one day.*

Assuming markets bounce back.

Starting from the top.

His job isn't rich with diversity and uproar, but is still steeped in patrimonial passion, as he skilfully demonstrates with ease, much like Kierkegaard's Validity of Marriage.

Aesthetic Validity of Marriage.

Location makes no difference to the craft although it may to the income generated.

I imagine traditional craftspersons across the globe pursue their art with equal degrees of dedication.

You pay a bit more (hopefully) but it's worth it; I'll never look at carpets the same way again.

I was vilified once in my youth (not for long) for lauding wallpaper. I couldn't understand why at the time. Still don't really. It looked quite nice.

Zagros takes the time to profoundly examine its subject, long relaxed scenes catalyzed in thoughtful homage.

It's like that feeling you get on a sunny afternoon when you're engaged in various tasks but don't have much to do.

I would never have the patience to craft a handmade carpet, although I have nothing but praise for the art.

The harpist creates music, carpets are woven melodically.

Meticulous essentials.

Innate hearty blooms.

Respiring.

*I was lucky to have caring teachers in my youth, and unmitigated access to an old school Irish lexicon.