Name Art and Crafts

A nomadic life in the harsh conditions of the steppe and a completely subsistence economy forced people to produce everything they needed on their own. This is how Kazakh folk crafts were born, which satisfied all the needs of people, and quite rarely became an object of trade. In nomadic tribes, there was a gender division according to the types of handicraft work: men were engaged in the processing of wood, metal, leather and other types of crafts that require strength and are traditionally associated with male activities; and women worked in areas where perseverance and painstaking work is needed - making and processing felt, wool, various types of weaving and embroidery. Later, in the 19th century, the accession of Kazakhstan to the Russian Empire and the development of trade led to a decrease in the role of folk crafts, although, on the other hand, new imported materials and raw materials allowed artisans to expand their capabilities and implement new ideas. As a result, crafts became the prerogative of individual specialists who be Name Art and Crafts gan to create products exclusively for sale. Today, folk crafts are a reflection of the rich nomadic culture of Kazakhstan, and handicrafts mainly serve as gifts and souvenirs. One of the most important materials in the life of Kazakh nomads was a tree. It was used to make parts of the yurt frame, furniture, dishes, and other household items. Basically, the woodworking craft was developed in the north of Kazakhstan, with a lot of forest. The most important craft was the manufacture of parts for the yurt: “kerege” lattice walls, “yuk” roof poles, and “shanyrak” rim-top. The creation of a sturdy and geometrically correct frame for a permanent dwelling required a high level of craftsmanship. Moreover, "shanyrak" was the most complex and important construction, it was passed on by inheritance, and quite often it was decorated with various carved ornaments. Also, some parts for saddles, handles for working tools, various lockers and chests were made of wood. A separate craft for working with wood was the manufacture of Kazakh musical instruments "kobyz" and "dombra". Various metals were less common material for artisans, but blacksmithing was an important skill in the life of nomads - horseshoes, stirrups, harness parts, as well as knives and various tools were made from metal. Basically, the crafts associated with metalwork were poorly developed. And with the development of trade, imported products completely replaced local production. However, skills in metalworking were also applied in the work of Kazakh jewelers. Leathercraft was another important part in the life of Kazakhs. The skin of wild and domestic animals was used to make winter clothes, hats, parts of saddles and other equipment for horses. Some types of clothing were so high quality and comfortable that the fame of them spread throughout the countries of Central Asia, and they were highly valued in the bazaars of the East. Also, the shoemaking trade was widespread among the nomads, since Kazakhs wore boots in winter and summer. In addition, vessels for water and kumis were made of leather. And although working with leather was the prerogative of men, women were often involved in these crafts. Making and processing felt was the basic craft of Kazakh nomads, and women were engaged in this. First of all, felt was used to cover yurts. Felt was used to sew slippers, and thin felt was a material for various clothes. Also, felt served as the basis for the tekemet carpets, which were used to cover the floor in the yurt, and for the beautiful tuskiiz carpets that adorned the walls of the yurt. Along with this, carpet weaving from wool and thin strips of fabric was well developed. And in more ancient times, the craft of weaving mats was widespread. Kazakhs were also excellent jewelers, and mastered many techniques of working with metal - forging, embossing, stamping and others. The main material was silver, although gold items were found. Jewelers created various rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants, as well as clothing details - buckles and buttons. A special type of jewelry art in Kazakhstan can be called bone carving craft, where craftsmen carved various figures from the bones and horns of animals, and also made thin plates with drawings and patterns, which were then inlaid with pieces of furniture. Copyright © 2001 - 2021 Advantour All rights reserved https://jiji.com.et/nifas-silk-lafto/art-collectibles/name-art-and-crafts-ys5lq00B5s2ZZMjY3deqTXfQ.html