| Description |
The ornament adorns all the objects surrounding the Kyrgyz from the moment of birth to the end of life. Nowadays, ornaments are very popular and used not only for decorating yurts and utensils but also for festive attires, jewelry, and souvenirs. Kyrgyz gave the patterns their own names identifying them with elements of their own and surroundings in the world around them. The shape of the symbols has reached us through the ages, almost unchanged. Kyrgyz ornaments include simple geometrical symbols, floral patterns, images of animals (both living and fantastic), nature, and stylized images of people. One of the most popular patterns are: ram’s horns, which repeats the image of this animal and represents prosperity or Umai ene, winged woman with a child, a spirit that represents fertility and protects mothers and babies.
There are several types of Kyrgyz ornamental patterns:
1. Patterns symbolizing landscapes and other natural objects and processes such as Earth, a spring, eternal movement, Sun, Venus, star constellations, day and night, equinox;
2. Patterns symbolizing elements of animal kingdom such as raven claw, goose foot, ram horns, goat horns, a bird wing, a dog tail;
3. Patterns symbolizing elements of flora such as almond, clover, pomegranate, tulip;
4. Patterns symbolizing household objects as a comb, a lock, tip of a knife, köökör, a vessel for fermented milk;
5. Patterns with anthropomorphic elements.
|
| Social and cultural significance |
Traditional Kyrgyz ornaments make up a rich layer of cultural heritage and attract attention of researchers and practitioners. Traditional ornamental patterns accompany a Kyrgyz person one’s entire life from birth to death. According to Kyrgyz beliefs, patterns are living beings that carry information, symbols and energy. Based on the ornamental patterns in the yurt, one could deduce information about the owners’ genealogy, social status, etc. Based on the patterns on the garment, one could read information about owner’s spiritual and social standing.
Every element of the ornamental pattern has its own sacral meaning and significance. E.g. some protect pregnant women, children and living space, some attract luck, others ward off evil spirits. Many meanings of symbols have fallen into oblivion, but those that remain are transmitted from generation to generation. Patterns are believed to carry information and provide protection from an evil word or eye. Sacred symbols concealed in the ornaments convey people’s thoughts and hopes. That is why ornamental patterns can be found everywhere: inside the yurt, on cups and dishes, cloths, beddings, etc.
Ornaments can tell a lot about the life of the community and reflect the spirituality of the people. For example, the wide-spread ornaments of Umai Ene and Tumar serve as protection against evil spirits. Each element of the ornamental pattern carries a meaning because a craftswomen recreates a pattern in her imagination striving to make a thing comprehensive and complete. Flora and fauna as well as landscapes provide inspiration for ornaments. Craftswoman’s feelings and thoughts both positive and negative such as love, care, fear, etc. get reflected in the ornamental patterns.
Both the color of threads or fabric used for embroidery of patterns have significance. For example, a combination of contrasting colors such as white and black is important for attracting wealth. Red is a symbol of life force and the power of nature. Red is believed to protect from the blood diseases, whereas yellow color is believed to help cure internal organs diseases.
|
