After breakfast, we drive from the Almaluu Yurt Camp to the nearby village Bokonbaevo, in the Karymshakova Street 69. Here is the craftsworkers’ collective Altyn Oimok (Golden Thimble), a non-governmental organization (NGO). It was founded by Janyl Baisheva. Janyl has made it her business to pass on the traditional Kyrgyz craft techniques, learned from older masters to younger generations. She employs more than 30 rural women who work with her to create Shyrdaks and Ala Kiyiz, the typical Kyrgyz felt rugs.
Shyrdaks and Ala-Kiyiz have a long tradition, they are indispensable in yurts. The heavy felt wool rugs on the floor and on the walls make the yurt cozy. They keep you warm and are visually beautiful.
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The patterns and colors of the Shyrdaks differ from region to region and often have symbolic meanings. If you see a Shyrdak, ask the owner for the meaning of the colors and symbols.
In 2014, Janyl Baisheva received the UNESCO Award of Excellence Craft, an award which only a few craftsmen have reached in the country till now.
When we arrive, Janyl Baisheva and other women are busy making felt products.
Janyl Baisheva demonstrates us the making of a Shyrdak. For this purpose, she cuts out the pattern of two different colored layers of felt. Then the cut pieces are exchanged so that you get two carpets with complementary colors. After that, one stitches the parts together.
In the inner courtyard, Janyl Baisheva shows us the production of felt and of an Ala-Kiyiz. To produce an Ala-Kiyiz, dyed wool is spread on a layer of felt and an image is created by using the different colors. Then everything is soaked in water, rolled up and rolled. This process is repeated several times until the individual wool parts are felted together.
During production, we experience that the process is lengthy and also very exhausting.
In a small shop decorated with old agricultural equipment, you can buy the felt products.
Janyl Baisheva proudly shows us her international awards, which she has already received for her products.
Please read on > Yurt Building in Kyzyl-Tuu
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Disclosure: Our trip was organized in cooperation with Discover Kyrgyzstan, and made possible by the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). All opinions are our own.
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