Culture of Karakalpakstan
Where everything tells a story
Anyone who has ever visited Karakalpakstan will forever remember the special steppe romance of the ancient land scorched by the sun. History, people, their traditions and customs, decorations, music, national cuisine and, of course, costumes are distinctive landmarks of this magnificent country. In this article we will dive into some interesting aspects of Karakalpakstan culture which carry the rich history of this land.
Words by: Alya Appasionata
National clothing
The national costume is like a chronicle that encompasses and tells about the life and history of the people. If you look closely at the costume and pay attention to its details, you can get a picture of the religious and economic development of people. Outfits rich in embroidery, like an open book, can tell the history of the family, describe their occupations and preferences. The costumes of Karakalpakstan are very interesting in this regard.
Beautiful embroidered jengse oversleeves are a very interesting element of Karakalpak clothing. Jengse used to be sewed from the red fabric and decorated with embroidery. Following the shape of the sleeve, the jengse slightly tapers at the wrist.
The original types of Karakalpak clothing should also include kimeshek — a complex headgear, the front of which is a red cloth triangle with a hole for the face, and the back is a tsuyrytssha (tail) - a cape made from Bukhara silk trimmed with cloth with embroidery and fringe.
Another interesting piece is the headdress of the Karakalpak women called seukele. It does not look like a saukele of Kazakh women, but just like the latter, it was an accessory of brides and young women. The term “seukele” is found in the Karakalpak epos “Kyrk Kyz”, the plot of which is the exploits of forty Amazon girls. It contains a description of the assembly of these girls for the battle, led by their leader Sarbinaz. Before rushing into battle, while jumping on her horse, Sarbinaz puts on a seukele.
Jewellery
Silver jewelry was a necessary part of the Karakalpak women’s folk costume. The main ones that were part of the dowry were: a massive breast ornament with oval and colourful stones and pendants in the shape of rhombuses and bells (haykel); heavy cast bracelets (bilezik); rings (zhuzik); earrings (syrga). "When you look at the jewellery, you only see stones, gold, cut and polish. The jeweller sees the whole story," wrote Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, and how important it is, that this story is not only saved but also recreated. The Karakalpak master Adil Tajimuratov makes replicas of the ancient jewellery, as well as creates his own jewellery, while preserving the old traditions of his people.
The workshop of Adil Tajimuratov is located in the house of his father Daribay Tajimuratov - a famous Karakalpak artist and sculptor. Clay, wood, paints - everything is a subject to this person, therefore, Tajimuratov’s workshop is a kind of small museum, which contains paintings, drawings and sculptures made of wood and clay. In the courtyard there is a furnace, and we happened to see the laying of goods and the kindling of the furnace - each master has their own special ritual.
Music
Music is an integral part of the Karakalpak culture. By the accompaniment of ancient musical instruments, people led a nomad’s life in the vast steppe looking for the Land of Happiness...
Kobyz is an old musical instrument that, according to the legend, was created by the great shaman and storyteller of the steppes Korkyt ata, and in ancient times was used for religious rites. Now very beautiful songs of the heroic epos are performed with this instrument. It is also an accompaniment to the traditional throat singing performed by specil singers zhirau.
Another musical instrument, dutar, appeared among shepherds approximately in the 15th century. At the beginning, dutar strings were made from the guts of animals. Later, due to the development of trade along the Silk Road, they began to make strings from twisted silk. Silk is used in modern strings as well.
Those are just some aspects of the unique culture of Karakalpakstan. We hope they will inspire to learn more about them and immerse yourself into the story of this nation.
