A craftsman from Almaty has created 2,000
unique horse whips. Yessenkeldy Kulzhabayev mastered the ancient art of whip
weaving, an integral part of the history and culture of the Kazakh people, 50
years ago. He learned this craft from his father. A skillfully woven whip made
from strips of rawhide is considered a symbol of strength of spirit and
respect. Since ancient times, it has been an indispensable tool for controlling
a horse and a symbol of authority. Beyond its practical use, it was also
believed to protect homes from evil spirits, which is why it hung in a
prominent place in every yurt. The ornamentation and materials of a whip could
reveal the owner’s status and character. Its aesthetic appeal lies in intricate
weaves and decorations.
«Various types of weaving are showcased
here. I created them as teaching materials. Among them, there are three main
types of weaving: dense, twisted, and faceted,» said master of whip weaving
Yessenkeldy Kulzhabayev.
The craftsman has compiled all his
knowledge into a single textbook, which is quite popular. Kulzhabayev teaches
applied arts to university students and also holds workshops for anyone
interested - both adults and children. Among them is five-year-old Dariga, who mastered
the technique of whip weaving in just one week. She created her first work for
her brother.
«We searched for a craftsman like Yessenkeldy
Kulzhabayev for a long time. Today, there are few craftsmen like him. Our goal
is to instill national values in children from an early age,» shared kindergarten
teacher Aigerim Seissenbekova.
In the future, the master dreams of opening
courses to allow as many people as possible to engage with this unique craft and
preserve the heritage of their ancestors.
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