ASTANA – Kazakh traditional ornaments are a vital part of culture, commonly seen in clothing, jewelry, and household items including rugs, blankets, and pottery. The intricate designs, featuring geometric patterns, floral motifs, and animal depictions, serve as decorations and amulets. Picture at the National Museum in Astana.
Photo credit: The Astana Times/Aiman Nakispekova In an interview with The Astana Times, Aizhan Kurbanova, a junior researcher at the Central State Museum in Almaty, explained the cultural significance of these ornaments, emphasizing their role in preserving cultural heritage and showcasing artisans’ craftsmanship and creativity. “For the Kazakhs, ornament became the main form of fine art, capturing the essence of their people and their deep connection to nature. A few centuries ago, nature was revered as a nurturing force that provided sustenance, clothing, and healing,” she said.
More than decoration Aizhan Kurbanova, a junior researcher at the Central State Museum in Almaty. Photo credit: Kurbanova’s personal archieve According to Kurbanova, since ancient times, people have depicted signs of heavenly bodies, warming fire, water, green shoots, ripe ears of corn, and fat herds on household utensils and home decorations as symbols of children’s health and the earth’s fertility. Kazakh ornaments date back to the Neolithic era, with early examples found in the Andronovo culture of the 16th-17th centuries BC.
These designs often included geome.