Box 5 Women's historical role and Azerbaijan Carpets Historically in Azerbaijan, women have always been involved in carpet handicraft. There is no reason, however, why this gender model should remain. Men could also be involved in the manufacturing process and not only in the marketing and distribution as it has been the case to date. Carpet handicraft in Azerbaijan has a long history and centuries-old traditions. As works of art in which the national features of artistic culture are brightly expressed they are exhibited in museums and art collections.
Carpets are also a traditional gift and are traded.
For dyeing, natural dyes from plants or insects are used. Some sources show that in the 16th century dyes from almost 100 species of plants were used. Most have geometric forms and elements in their design. Specimens of fine Azerbaijan carpets are found in the collections of some of the world s great museums such as the Victoria and Albert museum in London, the Poldi-Pezzoli Museum in Milan, Budapest Museum of Applied Arts, Berlin Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum in New York and many more. Women's worsening household conditions are also related to the crisis in preschool child care.