| Description |
Beldemchi is a Kyrgyz women's clothing, which is a short hip swing skirt sewn to a wide belt. It is typically worn over the dress.
Beldemchi had several variations in the past. Like so, in the North of Kyrgyzstan, beldemchi was sewn from black velvet with lush gathers at the waist and was decorated with embroidery. On the contrary, in the South, beldemchi was made of coloured velvet or semi-silk fabric without embroidery, sewn from several slanted wedges, without gathers.
Beldemchi was worn by married women. After the childbirth, women put on a beldemchi, which thoroughly protected the body of young mothers from the cold, while not restricting their movements.
Depending on the purpose, it was made of homespun cloth or expensive materials. If it was a festive clothing, it was sewn from silk, leather, velvet, decorated with elements of fur, embroidery, silver and beads. However, there was no embroidery or other decorations on casual beldemchi, which was worn by women daily.
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| Social and cultural significance |
Beldemchi, as one of the essential parts of the Kyrgyz woman's clothing, is a reflection of the material and spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz people. It was adapted to climatic conditions, conditions of nomadic lifestyle and horseback riding.
Beldemchi was not just the traditional clothing of Kyrgyz women, it had a special meaning. It was brought to a woman as a gift by her female relatives, along with a cradle (beshik) for a baby after the birth of her first child. Such clothes firmly wrapped the lower back of the woman, creating an additional support as well as keeping her body warm. Elderly women believed that beldemchi helps to recover faster after childbirth as well as protects the woman from colds and diseases.
In addition, it was sheathed with many patterns that were intended not only for beauty, but also had a semantic meaning. Women put their wishes and blessings into the patterns for a young mother and her baby. Women believed that if you sew on a skirt a special amulet - a triangular tumar, it will protect them from the evil eye and ward off the envy.
Beldemchi clearly reflected the social status of a woman; by the appearance of the beldemchi it was possible to determine to which family she belonged. For instance, the wives and daughters of rich people had their beldemchi trimmed with otter, lynx or badger fur. The fabric was also lavishly embroidered.
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| Transmission method |
The knowledge and skills related to the beldemchi are mostly transmitted informally from mothers to daughters and from communities’ female elders to the younger women. Craftsmanship is also passed on from experienced artisans of the community. Numerous courses and trainings are established across the country. |
| Community |
The various types of Beldemchi as well as traditional knowledge associated with Beldemchi are widespread and practiced throughout the country.
Communities of women from all regions are the bearers, practitioners of the element.
Community of craftspeople: NGOs and informal groups such as the Kiyiz Duino Public Foundation, National Craftsperons’ Union, Supara, Chapan Studio, etc.
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