Varvara Batalina, a craftswoman
from Oskemen, creates Kazakh national dolls that capture the hearts of foreign
tourists and find homes all over the world. Reminiscent of Kazakhstan, these
souvenirs are mostly sent to Germany, France, and Russia. Batalina dresses each
doll in traditional attire. The woman shares that she became passionate about this
craft while helping her daughter, a student at an art school.
“It takes approximately an
eight-hour workday to make a doll. One needs about 20-25 pieces, each of which
is crafted separately. Only then you start assembling the doll,” Batalina
shared.
The national dolls are displayed
in museums, local schools and kindergartens. According to a resource center for
craftspeople, there are over 100 artisans like Varvara in the East Kazakhstan
region.
“Our craftspeople practice
diverse techniques, including wood carving and painting, both Kazakh and
Russian traditional embroidery, weaving, and felting. By focusing on felting,
we aimed to preserve the traditions of the Kazakh people,” said the center’s
director Raisa Mukhamedzhanova.
These master craftspeople also impart
their knowledge to youth, with increasing interest observed each year. Folk art
serves as a homage to our ancestors’ wisdom and a chance for self-expression
leading to a high demand.
Editor: Aizhan
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