The Mattress Maker in Egypt In 1860 Ad

In the mid-19th century, specifically in the year 1860, the profession of "El-Monagged" (the mattress maker) was one of the most important and well-known traditional crafts in Egypt. The Monagged was a skilled artisan whose main job was to stuff mattresses, pillows, and quilts using natural materials like cotton or wool.

He would start by spreading the cotton or wool over a piece of fabric, then use a large needle and thick thread to sew the cover, carefully stuffing the mattress by hand with great precision and skill.

His work was usually done in a simple workshop or even in the customer's home.

His tools were simple yet effective:
A large stuffing needle - A sharp pair of scissors - Strong thread

A brush or stick to spread the cotton evenly

Almost every Egyptian household needed the Monagged once or twice a year — to renew mattresses, fluff up the quilts, or prepare new bedding for newlyweds.

Unfortunately, with the introduction of ready-made mattresses and modern bedding, this craft has begun to disappear. However, there are still people keeping it alive, especially in rural areas and some traditional neighborhoods.

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