Master

The felting and knitting workshop “Jangaro” is run by the felt maker Manana Tavberidze in the village of Kvemo Alvani, Akhmeta Municipality.
The master is originally from Omalo, Tusheti.
The nature and the lifestyle of the Tushetian people affected the creativity of the felt maker. The workshop offers wide variety of products such as felt rugs, woman accessories, Christmas toys and etc.
“I graduated from Tbilisi State Academy of Arts with the background of artist decorator.. At first, I learned knitting of traditional Tushetian socks from my mother. Years later, I started felting and weaving the rug, carpets, and other works on the traditional weaving machine called Akazma with my mother.
My main inspiration is Georgian Traditional patterns, history, ethnography, and nature where I grew up. I still have one bag, which I knitted in 1986. The bag for me is a very precious thing as I created it according to an old sample. Moreover, the yarn for the bag was spanned by my mother”-said the felt maker.
“My favorite dye is called Jangaro, I love this color, so it became the inspiration for the name of my workshop, “- said the craft maker.
The workshop of Manana Tavberidze is shared with her husband Gia Torghvaidze- Enamel and woodworking craftsman. The master inherited the traditional craft technique from his ancestors and is one of the unique makers who own the skills of building traditional Tushetin houses.
In 2015, the master restored one of the towers and dwelling houses in Keselo.
We wish success to the Family as the work they implement contributes greatly to the further safeguarding of craft traditions and employment of local community.