Local Kyrgyz Crafts

So, we've talked a bit about the country of Kyrgyzstan, where it's located, and some history behind it's flag. Then last week Jeff regaled you with some information about the yak, one of the most well known animals living in Kyrgyzstan. Today, I thought I would write a bit about the handicrafts that Kyrgyzstan is known for...some of which use yak wool and some that use sheep wool, the other very common animal in the region.

Kyrgyzstan's national art is their shyrdak felt rugs, made out of a non-woven, woolen fiber that is created by using pressure and agitation. In essence they take the wool from sheep and yaks and get it wet and then work it around and press on it until it is formed in the shape they want it to be when it dries. They make shoes, hats, bags, and most famously carpets that have intricate patterns found in nature, like horns and the shapes of plants.

A store selling Kyrgyz crafts.

Remember, the Kyrgyz people are a nomadic group, traditionally they don't make a lot of furniture, because that is heavy and awkward to move around. Their yurt is made out of wool, felt coverings, and the wife is traditionally supposed to decorate her home, so they spend hours, sometimes whole families or tribes, making elaborate carpets to cover the floors of their homes and to hang as the door covering that you would see as soon as you come upon their home. Carpets are their primary home decor.

The inside of a very decorative yurt.

A shyrdak used in a more modern setting, still beautiful!

Other uses for the felt is in making household items, like clothing, but also gifts and toys for children. Many artisans specialize in make "stuffed animals" of sheep, yaks and other animals and then use needles to overlay different colors of felt to stick in the "fuzz" that an animal would have. There can be thousands of needle jabs to make one needle felted animal.

A donkey, made by needle felting

Kyrgyz people also love music and so they make musical instruments and other items out of the local walnut wood.

A Kyrgyz komuz, a 3-string guitar-like instrument used to play local folk music.

I found a really neat Etsy store that sells Kyrgyz crafts made by women in the village of Kochkor, an area well known for their felt crafting. Check it out and see other pictures of Kyrgyz handiwork.
Kyrgyz Etsy Store

And, if you like videos, I found one on YouTube of a Kyrgyz woman spinning yak wool!
Kyrgyz Woman Spinning