Ethnography

Slavery in the Social Structure of the Kyrgyz

Slavery in the Social Structure of the Kyrgyz Among the Kyrgyz of the South, there also existed a category of sharecroppers - chayrikers, day laborers - mardikers, characteristic of the Tajik and Uzbek populations of the Fergana Valley. In the trade sphere, there was a layer of people daldalchy, ortomchu, engaged in intermediary services: facilitating transactions, reconciling the interests of the seller and the buyer. Between the strata of the rich and the poor were the middle class - orto

05.12.2021, 18:01

Ethnography

Characteristics of Types of Houses and Estates of Southern Kyrgyz People

Three Methods of Wall Construction among the Kyrgyz When starting to describe the types of houses and estates, it is necessary to first provide a general overview of the building material and some basic technical methods used by the southern Kyrgyz. In the comprehensive work of A. K. Pisarchik, all the main data on the techniques of house construction in Fergana are presented. Similar methods are observed in the construction practices of various regions of Southern Kyrgyzstan. The main

27.11.2021, 15:48

Ethnography

The Poor Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century

Poor Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century A numerous social category consisted of the poor - kedeiler - ordinary nomads and farmers. During military actions, they formed the backbone of the khan's armies, while in peacetime, kedeiler were the support of the tribal elite. In the 18th and the first half of the 19th century, the poor were generally economically viable, providing for themselves all that was necessary. In case of war, they had at least two battle horses and armor at

23.11.2021, 20:01

Ethnography

Four Kyrgyz Types of Settlements

Kyrgyz Settlements The character of the settlement, as well as the dwellings themselves, shows great diversity in southern Kyrgyzstan, influenced by a number of historical, social, economic, and geographical factors. Kyrgyz villages in the 19th and early 20th centuries were sharply different from the Tajik and Uzbek villages bordering them. The latter were characterized by narrow (straight and winding) streets with high walls surrounding each homestead.

15.11.2021, 19:50

Ethnography

Kyrgyz Elite During the Domination of the Kokand Khanate

Kyrgyz Elite During the dominance of the Kokand Khanate, some changes occurred in the social hierarchy. Many southern Kyrgyz rulers of clans and tribes became part of the ruling elite of the khanate: Kubat bi, Akboto bi, Azhy-bek datka, Alimbek datka, Kurmandzhan datka, and others. Additionally, part of the khanate's cavalry consisted of Kyrgyz warriors, led by Kyrgyz military leaders. The khan conferred titles upon the leaders of Kyrgyz clans and tribes: datka, bek (head of a bekdom - a

13.11.2021, 22:22

Ethnography

The Transition of the Kyrgyz to Sedentary Life

Sedentary Life among the Kyrgyz The transition to sedentary life, being an extremely complex process, involves "the replacement of one form of economic life — pastoral-nomadic, with another — agricultural-sedentary," which led to a significant disruption of long-standing traditions and primarily a change in the form of housing. Initially, the yurt retained its significance as the main dwelling. In winter, it was insulated. Later, the yurt became only a summer dwelling and was used

03.11.2021, 21:37

Ethnography

The Institute of Heroism

Hero. The Institute of Heroism evolved from a military-democratic structure. The main purpose of a hero (baatyr) is to ensure the safety of society. From ancient times until the early 20th century, the hero was a key figure in military operations, a commander over a group of fighters. Among the outstanding, fearless, and far-sighted heroes emerged the founders of nomadic khanates, states, and empires. In the history of the Kyrgyz people, there is a notable array of heroes who took the

30.10.2021, 21:27

Ethnography

The 19th Century — A Century of Radical Change in the Lives of the Kyrgyz

Settlements and Permanent Housing The 19th century was a turning point in the life of the Kyrgyz. It marked the beginning of their settlement on land. One of the most important factors that led to the gradual transition to settled life among the southern Kyrgyz was the historical event of Southern Kyrgyzstan's annexation to Russia. This decisively changed the lifestyle of the Kyrgyz: conflicts and wars between Kyrgyz tribes and neighboring peoples ceased, economic life began to stabilize,

21.10.2021, 18:44

Ethnography

The Wealthy Social Layer Among the Kyrgyz in the Late 19th Century

Bais, Biis, and Manaps The measure of wealth and the main equivalent in trade and economic relations was livestock; accordingly, the prosperity of a household was determined by its quantity. Bais were categorized based on the composition and size of their herds, as well as their lifestyle and personal qualities: “1) chon bai - big bai or mart bai - generous (a wealthy person who was not stingy and was acquainted with the powerful); 2) saran bai or koltukchu bai - stingy bai (lived poorly,

16.10.2021, 17:09

Ethnography

The migrations of Kyrgyz people from winter encampments to spring and summer pastures

Migrations of Kyrgyz to Jailoo A significant event in the life of nomadic Kyrgyz was the migration from winter camps to spring and then to summer pastures (jailoo). The migrations of southern Kyrgyz have been described by some travelers. Such a description can be found, for example, in G. E. Grum-Grzhimailo: "Already in early spring, in April, as soon as the buds of trees begin to unfold and the ground is covered with fluff, the Kyrgyz from Andijan, Osh, and Margilan emerge from their

08.10.2021, 18:10

Ethnography

Social-Professional Structure among the Kyrgyz

Social and Professional Structure. The Kyrgyz did not have closed caste associations, typical of the settled population of Turkestan, except for the so-called chosen ones of the spirits - carriers of special knowledge and skills of a religious-mystical nature, although sometimes such people were also newcomers from outside. It was not necessary to have wealthy and noble ancestors to gain authority among one's tribesmen; the main thing was to show energy and skill, courage, and bravery.

02.10.2021, 16:10

Ethnography

Yurts of the Rich and Poor Kyrgyz

Yurts of Rich Herdsmen vs. Dwellings of Poor Shepherds The yurts of rich herdsmen were usually large: they consisted of ten or more lattice segments. Such yurts were commonly referred to as "ordo uy." While fulfilling orders for wooden parts of yurts for wealthy individuals, craftsmen connected the lattice framework with silver hinges; each dome pole, and sometimes even the wooden rim, was adorned with silver decorative plates. Special attention was paid to the decoration of the yurt

24.09.2021, 19:36

Ethnography

Social Hierarchy of Kyrgyz Men

Social Hierarchy of Men A man was considered the continuation of the family line, the heir to family traditions, and the life and safety of the family and clan depended on his actions. A boy was raised in harsh conditions. His life consisted of the following stages: infancy - bala chak, childhood - testier, adolescence - balagat boz ulan, young adulthood - zhigit, maturity - chon kisi, old age - aksakal, and elder - abyshka, chal. From an early age, boys were introduced to work. Their

20.09.2021, 17:46

Ethnography

The Interior Decoration of Yurts among the Kyrgyz

The Interior Decoration of a Kyrgyz Yurt The interior decoration of the yurt has been established over centuries, and to this day, there is a significant consistency in the arrangement of various items and the purpose of different parts of the space. For example, there are still distinctions between the women's and men's halves, the honored place, and the place for the fire (the Kyrgyz call it kolomto). The fire is lit on a flat surface or in a small depression. For the cauldron, an

13.09.2021, 18:13

Ethnography

Social Hierarchy of Kyrgyz Women

SOCIAL HIERARCHY OF WOMEN Reliable information about the social structure of the Kyrgyz people can be found in various sources from the second half of the 19th century. During the Soviet period, social relations were viewed from the perspective of class struggle theory. While not denying social and property differentiation, it should be noted that the system of social relations functioned on the basis of patriarchal-clan relationships. Different strata of society can be grouped according to

07.09.2021, 10:38

Ethnography

External Decorations of Southern Kyrgyz Yurts

Yurt of the Laylak District (above), yurt of the Alay Valley (below). Motifs of the appliqué ornament on the dome of the yurt (right). Decorations of Southern Kyrgyz Yurts Let’s move on to the description of the external decorations of southern Kyrgyz yurts. Several variations are noted. In the Alay and Uzgen districts, a woolen strip (20–25 cm) with appliqué or a red wool fringe (tor chachy) is attached to the edge of the "uzuk." In other districts (Naukat, Frunze, Batken, Laylak,

04.09.2021, 17:12

Ethnography

Transformation of Land Use Patterns of the Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th - Early 20th Century.

Transformation of Land Use Among the Kyrgyz There existed a patronage system that was most vividly manifested in wealthy collectives. Affluent leaders distributed the products of collective labor, expanded networks of social ties, and provided legal protection for their wards. Community heads were consulted for advice and assistance, and they had to find solutions to complex situations. This contributed to the development of a paternalistic psychology. The paradox was that, on one hand, any

15.07.2021, 04:00

Ethnography

Fastenings of the Components of the Kyrgyz Yurt

Components of the Yurt To understand the fastening system of the components of the yurt, it is necessary to sequentially examine the order of its installation. As is the case everywhere among the Kyrgyz, the installation of the yurt is the responsibility of women (men only helped to lift the heavy hoop). First, the door frame is set up, and the lattice walls are stretched, placing them in a circle. The edges are connected by tying them with twine or narrow woven tape (ribbon). The top of the

11.07.2021, 09:34

Ethnography

"Internal Dualism" of the Kyrgyz Nomadic Communities

Practice of Material Support for Economically Weak Members of the Community Communities were usually heterogeneous in social composition: they included both prosperous herders and the poor. Often, the latter would join wealthier relatives, which allowed them to migrate and support their families. In the 19th to early 20th centuries, there was a widespread practice of material support for economically weak members of the community.

26.06.2021, 22:06

Ethnography

Construction of Yurt Walls

Yurt Walls The walls of the yurt (kerege) are retractable. They consist of a lattice of sticks that are given a curved shape on a machine called tez. When the yurt is set up, this curve is noticeable; the wall has a slightly convex shape outward at its lower part. The length of the sticks depends on the size of the yurt (ranging from 200 to 290 cm). The upper part of the sticks, like those of the dome, is flattened. The diameter of the middle part of the stick is 2.5–3 cm. To drill holes in

23.06.2021, 05:21

Ethnography

Intercommunity Contacts of the Kyrgyz

Kydyr (the elder) with his family in front of their yurt. Mountain Semirechye, Kyrgyzstan. Aksu District, Karakol County. First third of the 20th century. Joint Labor of Community Members The community was managed by the elders of the village (ayil aksakals) - representatives of the older generation who held high social status and were identified by their names. The aksakals resolved economic and social issues, governed based on leadership qualities and real personal authority. They bore moral

15.06.2021, 09:31

Ethnography

Making a Dome for a Yurt

Dome Poles for the Yurt The process of making the wooden frame of the yurt proceeds as follows. The prepared wood is dried by the craftsman, stripped of its bark, planed with a tartky, and shaped to the required thickness and form. All parts of the frame, except for the frame itself, are subjected to bending.

12.06.2021, 20:19

Ethnography

Social Relations of the Kyrgyz

The family of Kokumbai Chinin with a native borzoi and a trained golden eagle. Village of Kyzyl, Pishpek District, Mountain Semirechye. 1925. COMMUNITY The community, as one of the main traditional institutions, played a key role in the social structure of the Kyrgyz. Alongside the family and tribe, it served as the basic social structure upon which the entire system of social relations was built. This type of community of people had both social and economic functions aimed at ensuring the

03.06.2021, 11:06

Ethnography

Yurt - Portable Dwelling of the Kyrgyz

Portable Dwelling of the Kyrgyz Kyrgyz wood craftsmen (zhygach usta) have mastered the production of the wooden frame of the yurt over time. The oldest among them learned this craft from their fathers and grandfathers and still cherish everything passed down to them through tradition. Usually, craftsmen made the frame of the yurt upon order, but it was also common to produce it in advance, without an order. In some cases, such work was done collaboratively by brothers living in different

30.05.2021, 12:31

Ethnography

Paths, Nomadic Routes, and Roads of the Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century

Tarantas between the city of Karakol and the village of Preobrazhensky. Early 20th century Means of Communication of the Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century Until the second half of the 19th century, the main means of movement across most of modern Kyrgyzstan were pack trails. In the valleys, they resembled dirt roads, which could accommodate simple wheeled carts. If the trail narrowed, it could only be traversed with difficulty by a rider on horseback or to transport some cargo. The

24.05.2021, 03:00

Ethnography

The title translates to "Dwellings of the Kyrgyz."

SETTLEMENT AND DWELLING The presence of two different types of economic activities in the 19th and early 20th centuries—nomadic animal husbandry and settled agricultural-animal husbandry—determined the existence of two types of dwellings among the Kyrgyz: portable and permanent. Semi-nomadic Kyrgyz simultaneously used both types of dwellings. The settling down and transition to agriculture as the main occupation led to the gradual disappearance of portable dwellings from the lives of a

20.05.2021, 17:07

Ethnography

Devices for Cargo Transportation among the Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century - Early 20th Century.

Devices for Transporting Goods The *chiyne* sled was often used for transporting goods, especially in the second half of the 19th century. It had no wheels and consisted of two parallel poles 3-4 meters long, secured with rawhide straps nailed across the crossbars. The front ends of the poles were tightly tied to the sides of a pack or riding saddle, while the rear ends spread apart to a width of 1.5-2 meters and dragged along the ground. Among some farmers, a two-wheeled cart of the Kokand

13.05.2021, 09:20

Ethnography

Production of Musical Instruments and Saddles by Kyrgyz People

Kyrgyz Woodworking Masters Woodworking masters also make musical instruments (Fig. 84) from juniper and apricot wood. The southern Kyrgyz string instrument (komuz) is essentially identical to that made by Kyrgyz masters in the north. There are many variations in the length of the neck and the degree of flattening of the resonator. In the past, ancient Kyrgyz musical instruments such as the bowed kyiak (also called kyzhak) and the flute choor were made in the south. Now, the youth do not play

16.04.2021, 11:16

Ethnography

Means of Transportation of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION The primary animal for horseback riding since ancient times has been the horse - at. People traveled long distances faster on it than on other riding animals. In the context of extensive livestock farming, it was used for transporting pack loads. Various sources testify that the ancestors of modern Kyrgyz almost never did without horses. Figuratively speaking, sitting on a horse, people spent more time than walking on the ground. The ancient tradition of horseback

10.04.2021, 07:56

Ethnography

Manufacturing of Wooden Vessels by Kyrgyz People

Special Wooden Vessels A characteristic type of utensils for the south (unknown in the north) are special vessels — togprocho or kurma (fig. 81, a, b, c), which have a convex tightly fitting lid, with an average height not exceeding 25—30 cm, while the width depends on the shape (they were made cylindrical, pear-shaped, conical, with a flat bottom and on trays). The walls and lid were decorated with grooves. An iron ring for a strap handle was fixed at the upper edge. The vessels were intended

02.04.2021, 17:02

Ethnography

Manufacturing of Metal Utensils and Household Items by Kyrgyz People

Metal Processing by Kyrgyz Another material used for making dishes and household items was metal. The processing of metal has been known to the Kyrgyz for a long time. It is one of the ancient types of decorative applied art, relatively well-developed among the tribes that lived in the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan since ancient times. As early as the mid-2nd millennium BC, in some areas of present-day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, herders and livestock breeders familiar with metalworking

15.03.2021, 11:11

Ethnography

Woodworking Production of the Kyrgyz People

Woodworking Production Wooden products held a significant place in the economic life of the Kyrgyz and their daily lives in the 19th century. Kyrgyz woodworking masters (zhyjach usta) crafted agricultural tools, including those for soil cultivation ("omach"), shovels, forks (besh-ilik), as well as sledges ("chiyna"), sleds ("chigina"), and saddles (eer). They produced wooden items used in domestic production: parts of weaving looms, spindles, sharpening machines,

07.03.2021, 12:47

Ethnography

Manufacturing of Dishes and Household Items from Wood by Kyrgyz People

Production of dishes and household items from wood. The materials used were juniper, willow (tal), birch (kayin), poplar (terek), apricot (oruk), and walnut (jangak) trees. Techniques such as turning, hollowing, burning, and bending were applied. Woodworkers (жыгач уст) manually used a knife (uйди) and a lathe (кырма, дукён) to make large round wooden plates (жыгач табак) with a flat bottom and wide upward-curved edges (Burkovsky, 1954, p. 89) and large deep bowls чара (diameter 40 to 50 cm,

01.03.2021, 18:38

Ethnography

Processing of Silver Products by Kyrgyz People

Silver Jewelry Among the Kyrgyz In the past, Kyrgyz jewelers widely used the technique of inlaying silver items with various gemstones. These were set into decorations for harnesses, rings, earrings, and bracelets. Masters acquired carnelian (akak) for this purpose. Coral red beads (shuru) were especially popular in women's jewelry. The ancient tradition of decorating with carnelian in the territory of Kyrgyzstan is evidenced by finds from the Kenkol burial ground. Here, "silver

21.02.2021, 18:07

Ethnography

Traditional Utensils of the Kyrgyz in the Last Century

TRADITIONAL UTENSILS The focus and nature of domestic crafts were determined by the nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyle of the people and were mainly related to the processing of livestock products. They differed from those of settled peoples - the craft did not have a workshop organization of production. Typical were individual craftsmen working alone. Some of them did not even have a special room (Burkovsky 1954, p. 85). In the closed cycle of the domestic craft process, any able-bodied

17.02.2021, 20:48

Ethnography

Various Techniques of Kyrgyz Jewelers of the Last Century

Jewelry Masters of the Last Century Masters of silver craftsmanship adorned horse harnesses, items of women's and men's costumes, as well as household items. Since the early 20th century, the production of silver items began to gradually decline, particularly from the time when the Kyrgyz stopped nomadic life. The set of tools for jewelry production is approximately the same among all Kyrgyz. Recently, they have not changed, only supplemented by factory-made files and pliers. Silver

12.02.2021, 22:50

Ethnography

Blacksmithing among the Kyrgyz in the early 20th century.

Blacksmithing In the last century, blacksmiths primarily served the household needs of families and the requirements of their farms. In their forges, Kyrgyz people welded tips for plowing tools (“omach”), forged sickles (“orok”), hoes (“ketmen”), axes (balta, kol tesh), and picks (chukuldik). All the main tools for processing metal, as well as wood, were made by the blacksmiths themselves. They fulfilled orders for making parts of harness (stirrups, reins, buckles), traps. Blacksmiths also

11.02.2021, 08:57

Ethnography

Metalworking and Jewelry Making of the Kyrgyz in the Late 19th - Early 20th Century.

Metal Production and Artistic Metalworking The production of metal products among the Kyrgyz is dedicated to a special work by A. F. Burkovsky. The products of the Issyk-Kul Kyrgyz are characterized by E. I. Makhova.

05.02.2021, 10:12

Ethnography

Manufacturing of Bridles (Zhugyons) and Whips (Kamschi)

Making Harness To this day, specialists in the production of harness parts, particularly bridles (zhugyon) and whips (kamchi), continue their work. In the south, they are referred to as zhugyon usta and kamchi usta. Most of them are elderly people who learned the craft from their fathers. They have preserved their skills in the eastern part of the Osh region. In the Alai district, the masters Kutchu Atabaev (born 1881, village of Terek) and Zair Atayev (born 1878, Lenin collective farm) are

03.02.2021, 17:26

Ethnography

Tanning of Suede among the Kyrgyz

Tanning of Suede. For this purpose, the skins of sheep, goats, mountain goats, and roe deer were used. The skin of the latter was valued significantly higher due to its durability and water resistance. "Kyrgyz people highly value the skin of kiyika because the strongest and most waterproof chombars are made from it. Chombars made from any other skin get wet even from rain, while in kiyika chombars, one can safely float on water without getting wet." After soaking in a saline

28.01.2021, 14:24

Ethnography

Technology of Processing Livestock Raw Materials among the Kyrgyz in the Last Century

Methods of Raw Material Processing The processing of livestock raw materials, as well as the preparation of various items from it, was carried out by both men and women, with responsibilities strictly divided between them. For example, it was always men who slaughtered the animals. They also processed the skins, from which they made harness accessories, containers for storing bowls, shoes, and straps for fastening parts of the yurt. The skins of small animals (sheep, goats) were processed by

19.01.2021, 21:38

Ethnography

Processing of Hides and Skins among the Nomadic Kyrgyz

Processing of Hides and Leathers Animal hides and the leather made from them were of significant importance in the daily life of the Kyrgyz in the past. They extensively used raw materials from domestic and wild animals (horses, cows, camels, yaks, sheep, and goats, as well as foxes, martens, otters, mountain goats, and roe deer). In addition to meeting the family's needs, a large number of hides were sold. They were sent to the markets of Central Asia and directed to Russia and Kashgar.

21.10.2020, 21:22

Ethnography

The Horse Tack of the Kyrgyz in the 18th-20th Centuries.

Horse Equipment. The horse harness kit, known as jabdyk (also abzel in southwestern regions, am abzeli), included: saddle (eer, eger), stirrups with straps (uzyongulor, boolorumenen), potfei, flanks or crupper (kuyushkan), girth or breastplate (komelduruk), girths with strings to secure the blanket or cushion to the saddle (basmayyldar, kyopchuk bastyrgych byshtandary menen), saddle pads or underlays for the saddle (zheldikter, zha-azdar), sweat cloth with a sweat cloth roof (terdik, ichmegi

19.09.2020, 22:09

Ethnography

Jewelry of Kyrgyz Women in the 18th-20th Centuries.

Women's Jewelry by Kyrgyz Jewelers Women's jewelry made by local jewelers is an essential attribute of the traditional attire of a Kyrgyz woman. The ancient wedding headdress—shekulë—is richly decorated and consists of a tall cap on a frame, adorned with rows of stamped silver plates, coral threads, and glass beads. The set of a woman's adornments included various earrings: stamped (round, oval, pear-shaped), usually made of two joined halves, as well as forged ones with simple

01.09.2020, 12:53

Ethnography

Kyrgyz Blacksmiths and Jewelers of the 18th-20th Centuries

Blacksmithing and Jewelry Art. The processing of metals, known to the Kyrgyz since ancient times, and the technical and artistic techniques developed by the 18th-20th centuries, reveal continuity with ancient traditions. Blacksmiths (temirchi, temirusta, kara usta, and in northern regions sometimes darqan) provided tools and equipment for crafts, agricultural production, and household industries. The master performed all the work himself: preparing the metal, making products, and finishing

17.08.2020, 21:14

Ethnography

Leather Products among the Kyrgyz in the Late 19th - Early 20th Centuries

Leather. From the leather and hides of domestic and wild animals - horses, cows, camels, yaks, sheep, goats, foxes, martens, otters, mountain goats, and roe deer (Aitbaev, Ivanov, 1968, pp. 123-131) clothing was made (men's outer fur coats, hats, belts for elderly women, open skirts), footwear, dishes, household items, and horse harnesses. Lambskins (korne) were most often used for clothing. At home, the leather was cleaned, dyed, tanned, softened by hand or on a leather softener

22.07.2020, 10:35

Ethnography

Wooden Products of the Kyrgyz in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Wooden Products Wooden products have long been widely used in everyday life. Wood craftsmen (жыгач уста) valued poplar (терек), willow (тал), juniper (арча), birch (кайын), black wood (кайрагач, кара жыгач), apricot (врук), walnut (жангак), apple (алма жыгач), and other trees. They primarily worked on orders, and each craftsman had their own specialization (Burkovsky, 1954, p. 96; Antipina, 1962, p. 144; Cherkasova, 1968, pp. 132, 133; Kapalbaev, 2007). From local wood species, they made the

01.07.2020, 22:44

Ethnography

Embroidery and Patterned Chia Mats

Embroidery. This ancient art was the most accessible activity for girls and women. Embroidery adorned many household items (Chepelevetskaya, 1968. p. 78, 79; Antipina, 1962. pp. 97-124; Satybaldieva, 2008). Many embroidered items were part of the dowry that a mother prepared for her daughter with the help of relatives.

19.06.2020, 10:41