Artisan devotes life to preserving traditional Kar-Bafi in Ardakan
An artisan of Kar-Bafi (traditional hand weaving) and manager of a handicrafts workshop in Ardakan, Yazd Province, said her main professional activity is focused on preserving Ardakan’s traditional Kar-Bafi — a centuries-old form of hand weaving that uses cotton yarns on wooden looms to produce everyday textiles.
Fatemeh Shaker Ardakani, a prominent example of the continuity and revival of Ardakan’s Kar-Bafi, explained that this craft has been practiced in her family for three consecutive generations. “For me, Kar-Bafi is not just a job; it is part of my identity, my life, and my daily routine,” she said.
Shaker Ardakani grew up alongside the weaving loom and learned the craft from her mother, who is now 86 years old. Today, her daughter serves as the workshop’s training supervisor and production manager, continuing the family tradition. Their long-held belief, she noted, is that Kar-Bafi represents a way of life rather than merely a source of income.
Emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, she said that while formal training plays an important role, real learning takes place through living and working beside the loom. According to her, the workshop’s ongoing training courses provide teenagers and young adults with valuable opportunities to experience the creative process firsthand.
“This art is shaped through patience, mistakes, and repetition,” she added, stressing that theoretical instruction alone cannot replace practical experience and long-term engagement with the craft.
The workshop’s products preserve the authenticity of traditional Kar-Bafi while offering variety in color, size, and design to meet contemporary tastes. These products include towels, hand cloths, cotton fabrics, traditional clothing, and practical everyday items. Many customers become regular buyers due to the high quality and authenticity of the products, and the workshop itself has become a destination for visitors interested in observing and learning about the weaving process. All materials used are high-quality natural yarns sourced from reputable domestic markets.
Shaker Ardakani, who is also a handicrafts instructor, believes Kar-Bafi is a path to preserving cultural identity, achieving mental calm, and creating lasting cultural values. She advises young people interested in the craft to enter the field with patience and passion, emphasizing that success depends on continuous learning and hands-on practice at the loom.
She also emphasized the need for sustained and practical support for artisans, including the provision of suitable workspaces, insurance coverage, and the creation of stable sales markets. She expressed her appreciation for the support of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicraft Department and local authorities in Ardakan.
Her activities — combining heritage preservation, training the next generation, and producing authentic and functional products — have turned the workshop into one of the leading centers for the revival of traditional Kar-Bafi in Ardakan.