Cultural Legacy: The Significance of Uzbek Patterns
Ornaments are folk patterns that adorn artisan objects, architectural structures, clothing and household items, reflecting the centuries-old traditions of the Uzbek people.
By Karomat Gaffarova
Popular ornamental motifs
Yulduz Palak
Sometimes called an ‘asterisk’ pattern, this symbol of Tashkent and Pskent is very popular in embroidery. Panels with rosettes containing a star-shaped ornament (‘yulduz’) personify the starry sky and evoke concepts of the cosmos and rotation of the night sky. The term ‘yulduz palak’ literally means ‘starry sky’ – a combination of ‘yulduz’, meaning star and ‘falak’ meaning firmament.
Kalampir Nuskha
The chilli pepper is one of the most common ornaments in Uzbekistan, often used to decorate the national duppi hat. Capsicum is considered a symbol of life, family happiness and a protective talisman to ward off the evil eye.