The decorative and applied arts of Kyrgyzstan are vivid, distinctive, talented in their simplicity, and remarkably diverse. The development of traditional crafts and handicrafts among the Kyrgyz people was shaped by practical household needs, a nomadic lifestyle, and spiritual and aesthetic values.
Felt (compressed sheep’s wool) has been the foundation of Kyrgyz life for centuries. It accompanied a person throughout their lifetime: Kyrgyz people were traditionally born on felt in felt yurts and wore felt clothing. According to traditional beliefs, felt protected people from evil spirits and hostile forces, while also shielding them from cold and heat. For this reason, felt-making is one of the oldest art forms. Masterpieces of felt art — the Kyrgyz ornamented carpets shyrdak and ala-kiyiz — differ in production techniques, yet each is unique in its own way.
The shyrdak is bright and striking in its color palette and composition. Its clear ornamental patterns with defined contours and strong contrasts between background and design create a distinctive graphic effect. Shyrdak carpets are made using mosaic and appliqué techniques.
The ala-kiyiz, in contrast, is characterized by soft, flowing forms and a harmonious, vibrant color combination. Unlike the labor-intensive shyrdak, which requires preparing colored felt layers that are cut and stitched together, the ala-kiyiz is created by simultaneously felting the ornamental composition directly into the base material. The traditional art of making shyrdak and ala-kiyiz felt carpets has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Weaving occupies an important place among Kyrgyz folk crafts. Several types of patterned weaving are well known, including terme-taar, kadzary, and beshkeshte. Typical color combinations include red and blue, brown and orange, red and yellow, and orange and blue. The woven geometric ornaments consist of diamond shapes, triangles, and polygons.
Artistic embroidery is the most popular form of folk creativity. Across Kyrgyzstan, embroidery has traditionally been used to decorate home interiors, clothing, headwear, and horse equipment. Ancient embroidery on suede, leather, felt, and dense handwoven fabrics is especially admired. Patterns were stitched using wool and cotton threads, which were often prepared by the craftswomen themselves.
A special place among wool products is occupied by the chiy reed mat, a unique form of Kyrgyz applied art. Patterned mats are an essential part of the yurt, serving both decorative and insulating purposes. Stems of the steppe plant chiy are wrapped with colored wool threads to create specific patterns. In style and color palette, these mats harmonize with patterned textiles and pile weaving.
Artistic leatherworking (bulgaary) is another important branch of Kyrgyz folk craftsmanship. Household items such as kookor, konochok, and kumara were decorated with embossed patterns, bringing life and texture to the smooth leather surface.
Wood was traditionally used to produce yurt frames, chests, furniture, and various household items. Skilled craftsmen understood the qualities of each type of wood, revealing the natural beauty of the material — its texture and color. Thin-walled wooden bowls such as ayak, choichok, and tabak were hand-carved and decorated with simple linear ornaments that emphasized their shape. Strict carved patterns on yurt doors, storage chests, cases, stands, and saddles complemented the overall ornamental environment of nomadic life.
Artistic metalworking is closely connected with ancient folk legends. Silver items have always been highly valued among the Kyrgyz. In men’s traditional costume, a belt with silver plates (kemer-kur) served as a decorative element. Jewelers produced a wide range of women’s ornaments, horse harness decorations, household items, belts, and hunting equipment. Silver, sometimes gilded and combined with precious stones, was the primary material used. Masters employed various production and finishing techniques, including stamping, openwork carving, chasing, granulation, blackening, and enamel decoration.
Artistic metalworking is closely connected with ancient folk legends. Silver items have always been highly valued among the Kyrgyz. In men’s traditional costume, a belt with silver plates (kemer-kur) served as a decorative element. Jewelers produced a wide range of women’s ornaments, horse harness decorations, household items, belts, and hunting equipment. Silver, sometimes gilded and combined with precious stones, was the primary material used. Masters employed various production and finishing techniques, including stamping, openwork carving, chasing, granulation, blackening, and enamel decoration.