Kulbar Toksombaeva

Kyrgyzstan

Year(s) attended: 2008

Sapar Ismailov Craftsmen Family Group

Yurts—Woodwork, Felting, Weaving, Embroidery

For centuries, the nomadic sheep and yak herders of the Kyrgyz Republic have lived in portable houses—known as yurts---made of felt covered bent wood frames. The portable homes are known for their color and decoration, including ornamental felt rugs, carpets, and decorated outer panels made of multi colored wool, straw and felt.  Today, yurts are still used for ceremonial and social functions such as local and national celebrations, funerals, and as guest houses for local and foreign visitors. Ironically, yurt makers themselves are rarely nomadic herders, but live a settled life in valley villages. The village of Kyzyl-Tuu is known for its expert yurt makers, and many of the households in the village are involved in their construction. Kulbar Toksombaeva, her husband, Sapar Ismailov, and their grown children are all involved in the art of yurt making.  Sapar’s father, Toktosun was a well known yurt making master across the region and over the years has taught many of the village men to make the yurt frames. Today, Toktosun has passed the family tradition to his son Sapar, who works with his own sons to create the wooden frames for sale to customers from around the world. The process takes over a year to complete, beginning with tending the willow gardens around the house; steaming the poles in fermenting sheep’s dung, bending the wood and crown in a special device; and staining the frame.  Meanwhile, Kulbar works with her daughters to make the elaborate felt rugs and colorful straw panels, passing along to them the stories behind the patterns as they work.