The time in Gaziantep has been so fascinating, the stories wonderful and non more so than the story of Kutnu. Having just learned of Kuntu a master-craft perfected by the people of gaziantep over the last 400 years, I was struck by the luminosity of the fabric and its soft touch.
By alternating lengthwise silk yarns and crosswise cotton yarn Kutnu gains and incredible luster and eye catching appeal. Women are known to create gorgeous tapestries of Kutnu to provide for their dowry.
I met Ahmet a 70 year old sweet man that is the last hand weaver of our time. Over the course of his life there were over 150 Kutnu weavers in his village alone. Machinery has taken over every single job except for his. Day after day year after year he sits in his stand weaving this material on a wooden loom with a shuttle and pulling whip . The banging, clacking, and pulling is something to behold! An incredible process that you will be able to see when our films are released. I gave a shot but wasn’t quite assured of my performance. I am never afraid to try something new but here in Gaziantep, with these special techniques and priceless materials I felt extra cautious not to break the loom. Imagine how that would look!
