| Description |
Kurak is a Kyrgyz craft of quilting. Quilting is a process of sewing pieces of fabric together, which at the end create a common pattern. Pieces of fabric, leather and felt of various size and color are used for quilting. Kyrgyz people say that kurak is a renewal of the old, creation of something big from something small.
Nowadays, kurak is still very popular craft in the Kyrgyz Republic. Quilted items are always included into a bride’s dowry. Many household items such as blankets, pillow cases, wedding curtains, table cloths, spoon bags, tea bags and other items are quilted. The quilting techniques can be divided into two categories:
1. quilting that uses triangular and rectangular pieces of fabric of different color arranged in a way that creates sophisticated patterns;
2. quilting done with thin strips of fabric of different color.
One of the most wide-spread patterns is black triangle on a white background called tumracha (small amulet) or turna (crane). Another ancient ornament used in quilting is a black square put on one of the inside angles of a white square. This ornament is called boto köz (baby camel’s eye). There are more sophisticated patterns. For example, kattama kurak (layered quilting) is a square with triangles going around it. A red square and white triangles make a pattern called alma kurak (apple quilting). A square with diagonals made out of lozenges and triangles is called scissor quilting. It is used to decorate various pillows and cushions.
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| Social and cultural significance |
The popularity of patchwork in old times was primarily due to its practicality, namely the ability to use the old things in everyday life by giving them a new chance - upcycling. However, the traditional Kyrgyz kurak carries not only a useful practical function, it has a deep sacred meaning and is an integral part of the cultural heritage.
The sacred meaning of kurak lies in the fact that an item created from scraps of fabrics carried all the qualitative properties of the old things from the remains of which it was created, as well as the good wishes of the people who shared said pieces of fabrics with the craftswoman. This is a reflection of a larger worldview, where the whole consists of many, and the new consists of the old.
The Kyrgyz people say that kurak brings good luck and prosperity - it protects from the evil spirits, there are even special rituals associated with it. The more kurak items there are in the house - the more happiness, wealth, health and children they bring. There is also a belief that clothes or things made in the style of kurak deceived evil forces, warded off envy, and got rid of the evil eye.
Often kurak carries a deep philosophical meaning. Each kurak pattern is a symbol. For example, a circle with four lines intersecting in the centre is a tunduk - a hole on the top of the yurt. It symbolises the sun, representing the belief that the nomads lived in the centre of the universe. The triangle is a symbol of pregnant woman, which epitomises reproduction and wealth. Products made by traditional kurak technique bring comfort, warmth, uniqueness and originality to the house.
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| Transmission method |
Currently, the traditional way of transferring knowledge and skills of making kurak has remained in Kyrgyzstan. Typically, knowledge and skills are passed on to young girls from their mothers and grandmothers, from generation to generation.
Nowadays, there is an awakening of interest in kurak in Kyrgyzstan, thus the new types of products have been appearing lately. These days, craftsmanship is also passed on from experienced artisans of the community. Moreover, numerous courses, schools, and trainings are established across the country. All stages of kurak manufacturing are passed on through practical collaborations. Craftswomen participate in various national and international exhibitions, give master classes and familiarize everyone with the ancient craft.
The art of making kurak sparks curiosity and interest even in children.
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| Community |
The community consists of craftswoman who make kurak. Currently, they are represented by communities, groups, public organizations such as the “Business Women of Alai”, House of craftswomen "Kurak", “Council of Crafts of Kyrgyzstan”, Kyrgyz Uz craftsmen cooperative, "Altyn Oimok" Public Foundation etc.
There are also many individual individual craftswoman: Gulmira Akmatova, Kenjekan Toktosunova, Totukan Oskonbaeva, Gulbar Toksombaeva, Guljan Arakeeva, Toyun Amanova, Shagynbek kyzy Cholpon, Cholpon Choitonbaeva, Ainash Duishekeeva.
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