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The Depository documents 14 techniques in Kyrgyzstan; by risk level: 7 critically endangered, 5 endangered, 2 vulnerable. Each record opens with a public summary; the full research record is free to view once registered.
Ala-kiyiz (Ала-кийиз — 'colorful felt') is the second major Kyrgyz felt tradition — distinct from shyrdak (CRAFT-0698) in that the decorative pattern is formed during the felting process itself, not cut from finished felt.
Chiy (Чий — Stipa capillata or Phragmites australis) is the reed screen tradition of Kyrgyz nomadic culture — producing the large woven reed mats that form the outer wind-break layer of the yurt, placed between the yurt's wooden lattice…
Palas (Палас — flat-woven) and kilem (Килем — pile carpet) are the Kyrgyz woven carpet traditions — distinct from the Uzbek and Turkmen pile carpet traditions in using a strictly symmetric (Turkish/Ghiordes) knot rather than the Persian…
The narrow-band weaving of boo — patterned woven straps woven on a simple portable ground loom called an ormok, used to bind and structurally secure every major component of the Kyrgyz yurt (kerege lattice walls, door frame, roof poles,…
Shyrdak (Шырдак) is the Kyrgyz felt mosaic tradition — producing the elaborately patterned floor mats and wall hangings that are the primary decorative textile of the Kyrgyz yurt.
The making of kookor — the distinctively shaped leather flask used for storing, transporting, and ceremonially serving kumis (fermented mare's milk) — one of the most culturally sacred everyday objects in Kyrgyz nomadic material culture,…
Kömöldürük (Кемелдирик) is the Kyrgyz embossed leather chest strap worn by ceremonial horses — the most elaborately decorated element of Kyrgyz equestrian equipment.
Sebet (Себет — basket) is the willow basketry tradition of the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan — distinct from the felt and leather traditions of the southern and mountain regions in being a sedentary river-valley craft producing…
Yak wool spinning (яктын жүнү — yak fiber) is the high-altitude fiber preparation tradition of Kyrgyz communities in the Tian Shan and Pamir ranges above 3,500m — where the domestic yak (Bos grunniens) provides the primary winter fiber.
The kalpak (Калпак) — specifically the ak kalpak (white kalpak) — is the traditional white felt hat of Kyrgyz men and the most universally recognized Kyrgyz cultural identity object.
The komuz (Комуз) is the primary musical instrument of Kyrgyz nomadic culture — a three-string fretless lute carved from a single piece of apricot or juniper wood with a thin spruce soundboard.
Kyrgyz silver jewelry (Белек — gift; Күмүш — silver) is the nomadic metalwork tradition producing the elaborate silver ornaments worn by Kyrgyz women — chest ornaments (tumar), headpieces (chach-uchu), and belt components.
Kerme (Кермé) refers to the carved wooden elements of the Kyrgyz yurt interior — primarily the carved storage chest (sandyk), the decorative lattice of the door frame (bosogo), and the carved poles of the upper smoke ring (tunduk).
Tush kyiz (Туш кийиз — 'wedding hanging') is the embroidered textile panel hung on the honor wall of the Kyrgyz yurt behind the bridal couple — the most elaborate embroidery tradition in Kyrgyz culture.