Sericulture (rearing of silkworms)
Before World War I and the creation of the artificial silk, sericulture was a major occupation for Mousadaghians.
The profession was brought to Mousa Dagh in the 18th century by Haroutyun Dikranian. Mousadaghians remained devoted silk makers till 1939, the evacuation of Mousa Dagh.
Cocoon production was a major source of income for Mousadaghians. Raspberry trees were planted in large areas since it is the only food for silkworms. After the delicate work of growing the silkworm, the villagers would sell it or keep it to make the silk by themselves.
After getting the raw material of silk from the silkworm, the elder women, using special equipment, would turn it into strains of silk, and after complex procedures, the silk garment was obtained.
To color the silk garments in black, yellow, red and white Mousadaghians used natural products.
It is worth mentioning that the silk garments were not only used to dress up the Mousadaghian villagers, but were exported to different countries for making clothes, handkerchiefs, belts, etc…
