Art Council of Mongolia, Culture Naadam Project

Art Council of Mongolia, Culture Naadam Project

Mongols believe that each mountain has its own life and deity. In order to worship and serve the deities they create sacred Ovoo (Pile of stones) on the top of the mountains. Sacred Mountain has its own sutras (writings) for reciting during rituals.

The Ger is a traditional dwelling of the nomadic mongols. Ger is not only housing but is also model of the Universe and a symbol of national identity. Generally, it consists of a wooden framework, a felt cover and ropes. Ger is portable, light, compact and ecological home. It comprises all types of traditional arts.

Bii Biilgee is performed in a very small space of Ger and expresses the different symbolic signs by movements of hands, shoulders, waist and head. It is regarded as origin of Mongolian national dances and their source of creativity.

Since ancient times mongols have developed and transmitted a set of folk knowledge and practices of recognizing and training swift horses. The swift horses are selected for the Naadam (festival). They are trained by the Uyachid (trainers). The riders are children (both boys and girls) aged from 6 to 12.

Airag or Kumis in Russian is fermented mare’s milk beverage. This healing and foaming drink produced by fermentation of fresh mare’s milk with natural enzymes in Khukhuur (leather sack). Khukhuur is made from big bull’s hide. Mongols highly value Airag as a magic beverage and perform unique and specific rituals related to Airag.

Mongolian traditional games in Shagai or anklebone of sheep. There are four positions of anklebone each of which has its own name: horse, sheep, goat and camel. Mongols have about 100 variations of anklebone games. For example, there are “Horse race”, “Catching anklebones”, “Anklebone guessing” “Flicking anklebones”, “Multicolored turtle”, “Anklebone shooting” and etc. Mostly children play these games, but sometimes adults are also involved in them. Among games in Shagai most popular is anklebone shooting.

Naadam is Mongolian traditional Festival during which Mongols compete at horse racing, wrestling and marksmen participate in the archery contests. Such Festivals are usually organized in summer and autumn months nationwide. Naadam Festival was included on the “Representative List of ICH of Humanity”

Mongols move from place to place throughout the four seasons in search of new pasture for their animals. The head of the family decides where to encamp. The Ger and all its equipments are loaded on the camels or ox and move to new site.

“Esgii” is felt broadly used by nomads in Mongolia in everyday life, especially for covering Ger-Traditional dwelling. Esgii is made from sheep and camel wool by felting. Herders produce various ornamented felt products such as carpets, bags, clothing and sacks of household utensils.