Free Exhibition: Kazakh Craftswomen of Mongolia's 'Rich Cradle'

From 9 July to 19 September 2009 an exhibition will be held at the Brunei Gallery, School of African and Oriental Studies, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG focusing on Kazakh craftswomen living in the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia and their textiles. The aim of the exhibition is to bring to life the craftswomen behind the artefacts, the everyday lives of which these crafts are part, and the skills and processes involved in their production.

Admission is free and the exhibition is open Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 - 17.00

Kazakh textiles, and photographic and video material from the area will be displayed. A furnished yurt will show the home environment for which these textiles are made and which in turn works as a source of inspiration for craftswomen in their daily lives. Film screenings, talks and musical events are also planned. 

The Kazakhs form the largest minority in Mongolia and live mainly in the western-most province of Bayan-Ölgii, meaning ‘Rich Cradle’ in Mongolian. Most Kazakhs in this remote, mountainous region are dependent on domestic animals for their livelihood. Many move up to several times a year with their herds between fixed seasonal settlements. Other families with smaller herds stay closer to their winter house during the summer but will nevertheless set up a yurt (kiiz yi, meaning ‘felt house’).  

The summertime yurt (and to a lesser extent the winter house) is richly furnished with embroidered, felt and woven textiles. These textiles are made of a mixture of raw materials derived from local herds (for instance sheep’s wool and camel hair), but also integrate new materials, colours and designs. New tools and techniques are also developed by the craftswomen, resulting in changing styles and fashions in textile production. The exhibition focuses on these craftswomen, painting a picture of their creative practices and lives.

Kazakhstanforyou will also be present at the exhibition on the opening day (9 July) and on 18 September, providing visitors with the chance to view and purchase Kazakh handmade crafts and fashion from Kazakhstan.

For further details of the exhibition and events please visit www.soas.ac.uk/gallery