The Art of Sashimi Weaving

Sunday, April 06, 2025

The art of Sachim weaving is another textile craft that is woven in Mazandaran. Stay with Saed News to learn more about this art.

The Art of Sashimi Weaving

Sachim weaving is a type of rural and household handicraft from the villages of Kelardasht (including the villages of Hassan Keif, Shekar Kooh, and Kooh Par) in Mazandaran province, woven by women. Sachim weaving bears a strong resemblance to Jajim weaving and has probably changed its name due to dialectical differences in speech. In the past, plant-based colors such as red, blue, yellow, and green were used for weaving Sachim, but today, chemical colors have replaced them.

History In the past, newlywed brides were gifted a Sachim along with a white shawl, symbolizing brightness and the continuity of their shared life, strengthening their bond with traditions. Sachim weaving, or Sachine weaving, represents the taste, art, and aesthetics of the people of northern Iran and is one of the woven fabrics of western Mazandaran. It requires revitalization. While in earlier times, the people of Mazandaran were famous worldwide for their Sachin, today, this old handwoven art is being forgotten due to a lack of planning, disorganization among artists, a lack of support, negligence in advertising, and its diminishing practical use.

The Art of Sachim Weaving The weaving of Sachim resembles a rug, with simple striped patterns and colorful squares in the center and background. The design used in this handmade craft is not fixed; rather, the patterns are a mental amalgamation of heritage and culture passed down from ancestors. In the past, newlyweds were given a Sachim along with a white shawl to brighten their shared life, deepening their bond with traditions.

Weaving Process For weaving Sachim, the fine wool from spring sheep is used, which makes it more delicate and softer than Jajim. A 10-meter long and 40-centimeter wide warp is prepared, and after weaving, it is divided into five equal parts. Weaving a Sachim of 2x2 meters requires six days. Each year, support for this art, which is rooted in the traditions and customs of the region, decreases. The necessary tools for weaving Sachim include wooden beams, heddles, combs, spools, and shuttles. Sachim is used as bedding, floor covering, and bedding cover.

Final Words Sachim is an old handicraft that originated from the women of northern Iran, but it is gradually being forgotten. Due to a lack of proper planning, this beautiful art is fading away. What forgotten arts exist in your city? Share your thoughts with us.