The main ornamental motif is the curl, executed in various variations. Sometimes the entire pattern consists only of curls enclosed in squares or triangles. This decoration, "ala kiyiza," is most typical for the Batken region. More often, artisans develop simple and more complex rosettes that incorporate the curl motif in different combinations and positions.
According to many researchers, the horn-shaped ornament has a zoomorphic origin, reflects the pastoral direction of the economy, originated in ancient times, and has survived to this day in a highly stylized form. This motif is known among the Kyrgyz and is widely recognized in Central Asia and Kazakhstan as "kochkor muyu." Variations of the pattern are called "synar muyu" (one horn), "kosh muyu" (double horn). However, most artisans who identify themselves as "ichkiliks" refer to the curl motif as "kaykalak." The Andijan Kyrgyz also call the curl pattern by this name. M. S. Andreev, who collected ornaments among the Pamir Kyrgyz, noted an ancient pattern they had "in the form of an oblique cross with a small vertical stick in the middle," which he considered a stylized representation of the figure of an ancient deity, explaining the name of the pattern as "khaykal," i.e., "image," "statue," "representation of a deity." According to E. M. Peshchereva, the Kyrgyz name "kaykalak" undoubtedly conveys in Tajik diminutive form the widely known word "khaykal" in Central Asia, meaning image, representation, and also amulet.
Observations show that the pattern called "kaykalak" is understood by artisans as a curl, a hook (sometimes referred to as "ilmek"). This is all the more likely since among the Kyrgyz, the word "kaykala" means to bend backward, "kaykai" — to lean back, "kayky" — to be concave, "kaykach" — bent back.
In second place in terms of popularity in Kyrgyz ornamentation is the plant-derived pattern called "toguz dobo" — nine hills. Under this same name, the widely distributed plant "manzhetka" (Alchimella L.), which is part of the fodder grasses, is known throughout Kyrgyzstan. Its leaves are round, with 7-9 lobes ending in rounded teeth. Artisans often refer to figures of similar designs as flowers.
A pattern in the form of three shoots having one base is widely spread. Usually, this pattern is called "karga tyrmak" (crow's claws) in the eastern part of the region, and "kaz ayak," "kaz alk" (goose's paw) in the western part. We conventionally refer to this pattern as a trefoil. It is typical for all types of decorations not only in Kyrgyz ornamentation. Its widespread use is evidenced by numerous historical monuments. T. K. Basonov notes it in Kazakh plant ornamentation.
A pattern in the form of a wavy line with rhythmic branches is popular on felt carpets, as well as on other Kyrgyz products. In the eastern part of the Osh region, it is called "kyial" (dream, thought). In Central Asia, many peoples know it by the name "islami." M. S. Andreev noted this pattern among the Kyrgyz of Pamir.
An S-shaped motif, commonly referred to as "it kuyruk" (dog's tail), as well as motifs in the form of a circle (tegerak) or semicircle, are often encountered.
In the composition of medallions and rosettes that fill the central field, a characteristic feature is the cross-shaped arrangement of ornamental motifs. This compositional solution is typical for all felt (and embroidered) ornamentation of the Kyrgyz.
The pattern on the border of "ala kiyiza" varies, usually containing all the main motifs, starting from the simplest geometric shapes: one or two lines — "suu" (perceived as water, irrigation ditch, river), triangles (tumarcha), wavy lines, alternating segments of contrasting colors. The curl is often used in various variations, as well as the "islami" pattern. Sometimes the border of the "ala kiyiza" pattern is absent.
A large group of felt products consists of items decorated with cut-out patterns. This technique can be conditionally called mosaic technique. Various products of this type were important elements of the decorative decoration of the yurt and nomadic caravan in the past. These include strips (zhabyk bash), which covered the dome of the yurt from the inside, special covers for decorating items placed near the honored place (zhuk zhaby), bags for storing household items (ayak koychu, bashtyk), cups, plates (ayak kap), and wooden spoons. This technique was also used to decorate covers (uuk kap, kerege kap), which covered the ends of the dome poles and the links of the lattice framework of the yurt during migrations. However, the most perfected typical product of this kind is the patterned felt carpet "shirdamal."
Products decorated using the mosaic technique are widespread among all Kyrgyz, but representatives of the tribal groups known as "ichkiliks" were evidently not familiar with this technique. It is not used by them even today. It is characteristic that it is also unfamiliar to other peoples of Central Asia. This technique is widely used only among the Kazakhs, where the assortment of items decorated with felt mosaic includes, in addition to those common with Kyrgyz, also covers for chests. However, not all Kazakhs are familiar with the production of mosaic carpets. For example, it is unknown to the Kazakhs of the Adaev tribe living in Mangyshlak, Buzachi.
