Moccasin making masterclass in with the master Robert

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Robert Atoyan, who lives in the village of Berd, Tavush region, is a master moccasin maker. Moccasins are shoes that are part of the Armenian national costume.

Everyone in town knows Master Robert with his Soviet green Moskvich (car type). He learned how to make moccasins from his father. He says that of his five brothers, he was the only one who learned this unique craft. Not only did his father make, but he wore his moccasins with his hands in summer and winter. He wears it only in the summer. He doesn't care what others say, he wears it because he is comfortable. He can often be seen wearing homemade moccasins. There are times when people come up to him in town, ask him about his shoes, marvel, admire him, and leave. Now he is the only one in the Tavush region who has mastered the art of making moccasins.

He's been doing it since 1978. He doesn't get tired of his work, he says, if you know your work is effective, why get tired? It's a comfortable job in the countryside, a quiet job at home.

For sewing, you will need a piece of leather separated from the goatskin, thread, etc. The skin is removed by a butcher, then the dry skin is divided into pieces 12-15 cm wide, they are processed, then the thread is prepared. The thread for sewing moccasins is called tarcheton. He buys this thread from a store, but spins it on a spool. His bobbin is at least 150 years old; it belonged to his ancestors.

They also introduced an innovation in making moccasins. At the request of his daughter, Master Robert began sewing shoes without a pointed toe, but with a round front.

The moccasins of Master Robert are in great demand not only in Armenia, but also abroad. The reason is that his works, besides being beautiful and unique, are also very affordable, since they are made by hand. You can buy moccasins on the spot. Traditional moccasins cost 10000 to 15000 drams and souvenir moccasins cost 4000 drams.