Articles made of leather, felt and fabric

Leather and wool, as well as victuals are the main products of the nomadic economy. The Mongols long ago knew how to process leather and make felt which was made from wool. These materials were used for decorating homes, making clothes, utensils and horse harnesses. Chinese and European travelers admired skillfully made leather belts, felt appliqués, woven items and other beautiful things made of these materials. Light, durable and comfortable – they are irreplaceable in nomadic life.

Mongolians have long treated leather with simple tools and dyed it different colors with vegetable colors. Leather was used to make dishes, shoes, sheathes, bow cases and many other objects. Felt was made of sheep wool. Wool of sheep which grazed all winter was considered the best. Felt was used for covering yurts, for bed curtains, quilted carpets, saddle blankets, winter stockings, etc.

Cloth used to be made on looms, but home weaving ceased existence after the Manchurian conquest when Chinese fabrics flooded the Mongolian market. At present the Mongols use fabrics of domestic manufacture and give preference to silk, broadcloth and cotton fabrics. Leather, felt and woven items are decorated with embroidery, appliqués, and embroidery with woolen or silk cord. Leather items are also decorated with stamping. Embroidery is usually done by women – men only engage themselves in decorating leather shoes.

Vest. Mongolia. Mongols. Early 20th cent.		Leather saddle bag. Mongolia. Mongols. First half of 20th cent.		High boots. Mongolia, 20th c.
Traditional vast is not a barrier against fashionable bag and sunglasses. Mongolia. The Mongols. Ivanov D., 2006.		Felt covers are the base of walls and roof of Mongolian yurt. Mongolia. The Mongols. Ivanov D., 2006.		The lether boots with folded nose-pieces have been the Mongols' all-time favorites. Mongolia. The Mongols. Ivanov D., 2006.