kyrgyzstan
Art and handicrafts of Kyrgyzstan reflect
traditions and nomadic lifestyle of “Kyrgyz”s and they were
established during several centuries.
Needs of Kyrgyz nomads
paved a way for the development of art and handicrafts in
Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz craftsmen were inspired by pure nature of
Kyrgyzstan. The reflection of vibrant colors of beautiful
landscape of Kyrgyzstan can be easily mentioned in the colors
and patterns of felt carpets, embroideries. In the past items
such as felt carpets or embroideries were made by many
households and it was a part of nomadic people’s lifestyle.
Handicraft items were used for personal uses and later on those
items made by more skilled craftsmen were sold in the market.
Materials used by craftsmen while
production were mostly natural such as wool, leather, horn, wood
and etc. Dyes used in felt making or embroidery were extracted
from leafs and roots of different plants.
Shyrdak is the most popular type of felt
carpet in Kyrgyzstan and it is produced by sewing shaped colored
pieces of felt. In the patterns of Shyrdak symmetric design is
usually stressed while in the design of Ala Kiyiz (another type
of felt carpet) more individualistic approach can be mentioned.
It was usually used the patterns found in animal horns and in
the ancient pictographs that pepper the Kyrgyz landscape Felt
was primarily used to cover the outside of yurts and Shydrak was
used to cover the floor. Thick felt carpet Shydrak do not resist
cold and keep the floor warm.
Embroidery
is the second biggest craft of Kyrgyzstan. The most popular
embroidery in Kyrgyzstan is called Saima and it is primarily
used as decoration by hanging onto wall. Kyrgyz people prefer
bright and vibrant colors so reflection of this preference can
be seen on the Saima embroideries. Design of Saima was inspired
flowers, leafs or offsprings. Fabrics such as silk, sateen and
velvet were used in the embroideries.
Another type of embroidery called Kurak is
also plays a significant role in the art and crafts of
Kyrgyzstan. Kurak is an embroidery made of leftover fabrics.
Over the world there are equivalents to kurak and it is like a
patchwork. The principal difference of Kyrgyz Kurak is that in
the design of Kyrgyz Kurak geometrical elements are mostly used.
In general embroideries were used to decorate the interior and
were the significant part of bride’s dowry.
