What is called “tadut” takes place, the operation of sorting and cleaning the wool. As a rule, the wool is boiled in a soapwort bath in advance to bleach it. Alternatively, it can be washed in a river in a wicker basket. If this procedure is followed, the female artisans repeat a phrase: “Wool like wheat creates abundance.”
Dyeing comes next to impart color to the carpet. Of course, it will retain the property of thermal insulation for comfort. It is a precise purification ritual dictated by tradition done in baths under starlight. The weaver fumigates the wool and dispels any evil within. It is akin to preparing to pray. At dawn of the next day, the dye is ready. The artisan recites the Basmala prayer and lets the rug dry in the warmth of the sun. It must be stored for months in a “khzin” or reserve. When taken out at the end of the winter season, the loom is finally set up. It entails molds and hammer combs with carved handles replete with designs that ward off evil. It is interesting that these tools are often found in tribal rugs.
Wool preparation is clearly a spiritual experience. In fact, it is considered to be lucky. Nonetheless, the weaver needs to ward off evil even during actual weaving.