Manufacturing of kilims, within the folk textile tradition in Serbia doubtlessly occupies the foremost position in the history of Serbian handicrafts. The kilim has the status of one of the most significant Serbian national symbols. It was used as unique and indispensable object both in wedding and funeral rituals.

Pirot is a town in southeast Serbia reknowned since the second half of XIX century as the center for kilim production. It was the most important branch of the local economy. Prior to this, women produced kilim on upright looms exclusively for the needs of their households. Thereafter, kilims were produced widely in the professional craft workshops. In that period Pirot developed obtained commercial companies specializing in the sale of kilims.

Today, there remain only few workshops employing weavers working with looms. They produce kilims as unique artifacts reminding of old traditions/as behest of ancient generations.

It is broadly accepted impression among cultural and economic experts that Serbia underutilizes this tremendous cultural asset and economic potential.