Craftswomen from Akmola region revive ancient Kazakh traditions and customs. They sew clothes, make household utensils and unique household items in the national style. For example, Barkyt Beisekova respects all the subtleties of folk craft in making pillows and kurak korpe (Kazakh patchwork quilt). She skillfully combines colors in Kazakh ornaments.
“I am not used to sitting idle, so in my free time I do sewing and embroidery. Needlework has become my favorite pastime. I do everything without drawings, and I’m inspired to use all the traditional approaches. I’m now sewing a blanket and pillows for my granddaughter's dowry. She is getting married,” Beisekova said.
Works in the ethnic style of another craftswoman Indira Bokayeva are in great demand. Children's clothes and costumes for the Tusau Keser ceremony, sewn using complex technologies and inlaid with small stones, are especially popular.
“The demand is huge. Many people discover my work through my Instagram account. Now I sew for schoolchildren. I’m really glad that people are interested in clothes and items in the national style. It is very nice to see how costumes in the Kazakh style are very popular,” Bokayeva noted.
There are about 800 needlewomen in the Akmola Regional Union of Artisans. They showcase their works at fairs, exhibitions and festivals. In addition, various courses and masterclasses are often held for them, where they learn the secrets of national art.
“We try not only to do needlework and embroidery ourselves, but also to attract schoolgirls and students, as well as young mothers, to our ranks. We conduct classes for them, teach them the art,” said Gulbara Nurkanova, Chairperson of the Akmola Region Union of Artisans.
The state provides grants for those who want to create their own brand and turn the art of embroidery into a life-long business.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
