Wool Spinner

The ghazzala was a woman who practiced the craft of spinning wool, transforming it into threads used in making garments, blankets, and handwoven carpets. This craft was an essential part of daily life in rural areas and traditional neighborhoods of Baghdad, and it represents one of the pillars of traditional women’s handicrafts.

The ghazzala began her work by collecting wool from sheep or goats, then carefully cleaning and combing it to remove impurities, before using a hand spindle to spin it into long, durable threads. She was especially known for her skill in using natural dyes like turmeric, henna, and indigo to give the threads bright and lasting colors.

The ghazzala didn’t only sell her products in local markets; she also bartered them for food or household necessities, making her a cornerstone of the traditional home economy. Although this profession has declined with the spread of modern machinery, some women continue to preserve it through heritage craft projects especially in the production of handwoven carpets and traditional clothing keeping it alive as part of Iraq’s living memory.