Uyghur branch weaving
Willow weaving is a traditional weaving handicraft that uses branches of woody plants such as willow as the main raw materials. Willow weaving has appeared in China in ancient times. After thousands of years of inheritance, this skill has been greatly improved and gradually developed and matured. Common raw materials for willow weaving include sand willow, white willow, Chinese willow, and seasonal willow. Mulberry branches and vitex can also be used as weaving materials. After peeling, the surface of the willow branches is smooth and the color is fresh and moist. It is both soft and tough. The products made from this are of stable quality and durable. Willow weaving techniques are very rich. Different products and different shapes have different weaving methods. In addition to the weaving techniques, there are auxiliary processes such as splitting, chaining, and cloth covers, as well as decorative treatment methods such as bleaching, dyeing, coloring, and oiling. Willow weaving products pay great attention to the beauty of shape, style, and texture. The finished products are mostly practical items such as baskets, baskets, dustpans, buckets, bags, chairs, stools, and racks. There are also some more elaborate furnishings. These products have high practical and artistic value. They are traditional handicrafts with national characteristics and are deeply welcomed and loved by the general public. Uygur branch weaving is a traditional weaving handicraft popular in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Judging from historical records and a large number of tree branch baskets and quivers unearthed from ancient tombs, this craft has a history of development of at least 3,000 years in Turpan. Uygur people use local raw materials such as elm branches, red willow branches, poplar branches, mulberry branches, and willow branches to weave 235 kinds of products, including farm tools such as rakes, handles, and baskets, animal husbandry tools such as troughs, chicken cages, and sieves, daily necessities such as baskets, donkey packs, strainers, baskets, and fruit plates, and handicrafts or tourist souvenirs such as vases, gourds, wine glasses, and Sugong Tower. The basic methods of Uygur branch weaving are "flat weaving" with protruding warps and "twisted weaving" for the edges. The patterns include diamonds, chains, waves, ovals, etc. The Uygur branch weaving technique, which is constantly improving and perfecting in practice, shows distinct regional characteristics and ethnic style. It is an important manifestation of the Uygur traditional culture and has research value in sociology, ethnology, and folk craft history. (No pictures yet, welcome to provide.) (No pictures yet, welcome to provide.)