TEHRAN - Tow Bafi, an ancient craft deeply rooted in Khorashad village, a part of the Birjand region in South Khorasan province, holds a prominent position in the realm of traditional handicrafts.

This village has earned distinction as the epicenter of the renowned art of Tow Bafi, recognized and registered by the World Crafts Council.

Primarily, Tow Bafi artisans craft an array of towels, renowned for their exquisite softness, delicate textures, and exceptional moisture absorbency, often referred to as Howleh Bafi or the artistry of towel-making.

The foundation of Tow Bafi rests upon the use of cotton yarns as the primary material, serving as the weft meticulously inserted between wraps. Additionally, artisans integrate silk, wool, and synthetic yarns, such as acrylic and woolen threads, enhancing the beauty and value of these hand-woven products originating from Khorashad village.

The crafting process of Tow Bafi unfolds using the traditional "Chahar Verdi" textile machine. Notably, the hallmark of this craft lies in its entirely manual process, where every stage of creation is meticulously executed by the hands and feet of skilled artisans.

The intricate process commences with spinning cotton yarns using specialized machines and bobbin reels. Subsequently, the wrap yarns are stretched across identical wooden rods, meticulously arranged in an open setting. These wraps are skillfully twisted around a large wooden rod known as "Navard."

The weaving begins as the shuttle passes through the wraps, with each pass requiring the Dafineh (comb) to beat the yarns. The artisan's creativity knows no bounds, allowing for a vast array of vibrant colors and captivating combinations to adorn the fabric's borders and background.

Traditional dyeing methods employing herbal pigments contribute to the rich palette of colors. Natural sources like pomegranate skin, walnut skin, onion skin, "Golrang" or Safflower, orange, saffron threads, garlic, and stone grinds serve as herbal sources for these vibrant pigments.

The versatile nature of Tow Bafi extends beyond towels, finding its application in crafting tablecloths, clothing, Chadorshab, and shawls.

This treasured craft boasts a legacy spanning over three centuries, revived in 2004 by a dedicated group of women from Khorashad. Today, the lion's share of Tow Bafi production originates from the skilled weavers of this region, earning Khorashad global recognition by the World Crafts Council as the eminent village of the ancient craft.

AFM