Weavers of janów

 

'The Weavers of Janów' is an intimate portrait of the dedication, passion and masterful skill that goes into crafting beautiful double-warp rugs, one of the hardest and rarest weaving techniques.
The community who make them numbers just 12 women - these techniques aren’t practiced anywhere else.

We follow Janów's artisans as they go about their life and hear them reflect on their beginnings, their ethos and their dreams. While honouring and continuing the tradition, the weavers are also constantly coming up with new motifs and themes that keep the craft alive and evolving. Themes depict dreams and mystic visions as well as the reality of village life in its humble beauty.

United in their mission to keep double-warp weaving alive, Janów artisans pave a future for the next generations. Following years of hardship, a rising trend for craft and hand-made items has resulted in a great influx of orders and
international visitors to the village. It seem as if, perhaps, a new golden age is coming for the double-warp weave?
Janów artisans however, sustain a slow, balanced pace and continue to work in harmony with the cycles of nature. Just like centuries ago when this craft was born.


Produced by
the Polish Cultural Institute
Special thanks to Izba Tkactwa Dwuosnowowego w Janowie &
Podlaskie Muzeum Kultury Ludowej