Revival of Tush Kiyiz Handicraft Traditions of the Kyrgyz
摘要
Today, we are living in an era of globalisation, where the traditions of our ancestors, preserved for centuries, are fading away, leaving us only with their memories. It is disheartening to witness how we, the Kyrgyz, often overlook the beauty created by our nomadic predecessors over the centuries, such as the traditions of Tush Kiyiz, a unique form of handicraft. The Kyrgyz are descendants of nomadic peoples with a distinct and original culture. A notable aspect is the unique design of women’s clothing, which was tailored to help them endure the challenges of nomadic life alongside men. For instance, the ‘beldimchi’, a part of the dress, protected the body’s delicate areas from the cold while providing comfort. Another example is the ‘elechek’, a headwear made from a long white cloth wrapped around the head 40 times. These examples highlight the rich variety of fascinating handicrafts, each requiring detailed study, which I believe should be undertaken in the future.