An exhibition centering on carpets typical of central Moldova will be mounted as part of the National Carpet Fair “Carpet of Longing”. The tenth edition of the event will take place at the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History on December 17, between 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. This is devoted to the wall carpet craftsmanship as an element of the Romanian traditional culture that was put on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 1, 2016, following the joint nominalization of this tradition by Romania and Moldova, IPN reports.
Petru Vicol, National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History director, said the exhibition entitled “Tissues from central Moldova. Echoes of traditions into modernity”, which will be mounted as part of the fair, includes wall and floor carpets typical of the central part of Moldova, which are different from the carpets in the other geographical zones through mainly floral, stylized ornamental motifs. The wall carpets are characteristic of the interwar period, from after World War II, and ensure a transition from tradition to modernity. There will be displayed about 30 carpets most of which are from the collection of the host Museum and also carpets from museums based in central Moldova - the Museum of Ethnography and History of Călărași, the Museum of History and Ethnography of Strășeni, the Big House Museum - Vatra Dumeștilor in Vorniceni etc. The informative-interactive exhibition will be accessible on the Museum’s balcony for three months. Besides heritage elements, there will also be exhibited information in Romanian about the most important motifs on carpets, with images and depictions.
The National Carpet Fair “Carpet of Longing” will also include a Christmas fair of craftspeople, which will involve over 20 most famous craftspeople from Moldova’s localities and also craftspeople who work wood and clay and make national costumes.
Petru Vicol noted that the atmosphere at the carpet fair reminds of the winter holidays. In the center of the Museum, there is the heritage element “Tree of Life” that is decorated with lights. A number of craftspeople will present works typical of the winter holidays, such as fir tree ornaments made from clay or vegetal fibers.
At the event, the most representative personalities who by their work and talent support and promote the intangible cultural heritage will be handed over certificates of honorific title of bearers of the Living Human Treasure, trophies of the National Carpet Fair “Carpet of Longing” and diplomas of excellence for the best weaving craftspeople. A contest exhibition entitled “Carpet inherited from my grandmother” will also be held. Those who possess old carpets are invited to photograph them and to send the pictures to the Museum. A jury will select the best carpets and the winners will be awarded. There will be handed over certificates of expertise showing that the person possesses a very valuable heritage piece in the family. The program includes embroidery and weaving workshops, including for children, and a performance of music.
