Zulayka shared that the wolf fur coat was a legacy from her father-in-law, while the ornament belonged to his wife, Zulayka's mother-in-law. This coat, made from the skins of five wolves, was sewn for Toktoraliyev Ulushbay, who was born in 1901 and lived for 96 years. As for the "chachpak," it belonged to his wife Aysuluu, who was born in 1907 and lived to be 92 years old. Aysuluu passed these items to her daughter-in-law Zulayka, who is now 84 years old.
Zulayka, residing in Talas, notes that she has always held family traditions in high regard, which led her to decide to donate these historical items to the museum. The museum administration expressed gratitude to her for preserving such valuable artifacts.
The "chachpak" is a hair ornament that is secured on two braids. It comes in various designs and was worn for beauty by both young women and those of middle age, emphasizing elegance and the slenderness of the figure. This word, derived from the ancient Turkic language, denotes "hair ornament."
The structure of the "chachpak" consists of three main parts:
1. The head part — the one that attaches to the hair.
2. The middle part — where the decorations are located.
3. The lower part (chachyk) — with pendants.
Each nation contributes its cultural features to the creation of the "chachpak." The lower part is often adorned with tassels made from silk or twisted wool threads. The "kelenker chachpak" is a variety popular among brides and middle-aged women, consisting of coins and silk tassels. The "chachpak" is also mentioned in the epic "Manas."
The "karyshkyr ichik" (wolf fur coat) is traditional outerwear. Its outer side can be made from various fabrics, while the inner side is made from wolf fur. The coat is created according to the measurements of the person who will wear it and can take on an elegant appearance with proper design of the collar and sleeves. The use of the "ichik" was not limited to decoration; it also had ritual significance.
Among the Kyrgyz, there is a belief that in the case of cattle theft, they would consult wolf tendons if they could not find the thief. The "ichik" was worn by noble people, such as khans, beks, and experienced hunters. In T. Kasymbekov's novel "Kel kel," it is mentioned how Madamin bek and others gifted such a coat to Mikhail Frunze when he visited the Kyrgyz.
There are folk beliefs that wolf bile, claws, and bones were used as remedies for paralysis, and the "ichik" made from wolf fur served as a talisman against the evil eye and curses.
