Chiy

What is it

Each reed stem is wrapped with dyed wool so that when the stems are woven together, a pattern is formed — there is no pattern on any individual stem. The finished mat is used to wrap the lower part of the yurt from the outside and to partition the kitchen area inside.

Connection with felt

Chiy is also the surface on which felting is done. Wool is laid out on the mat, rolled up, and rolled: the reed provides even pressure to the fabric and prevents it from sticking. Ala-kiyiz cannot be made without chiy.