Ancestral heritage: national quilts Toshok are sewn in Kyrgyzstan

Winter is the time to create nausea. These are Kyrgyz national mattresses and blankets. For this, women gather in groups and recreate old ornaments or come up with their own. MIR 24 correspondent Kaliya Duishebaeva learned the technology.

Nargiza Okeshova prepared a dowry for 20 brides for this year. The 26-year-old craftswoman has been sewing toshok – national blankets – for only a year and a half, but she knows very well what traditions must be followed in their manufacture.

“The Kyrgyz from ancient times, when they prepared a dowry for brides, sewed and pronounced good wishes for a young family. My grandmother taught me this. When I sew, I also say my wishes. So that the family life of the newlyweds was calm, that there was mutual understanding, healthy children, ”said craftswoman Nargiza Okeshova.

Ancestral heritage: national quilts Toshok are sewn in Kyrgyzstan

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Toshoki have always occupied an important place in the life of the nomadic Kyrgyz. They slept, ate, and met guests. They were and remain an indispensable element of the bride's dowry. They were usually sewn by several women – the mother of a married girl and her relatives.

“The traditions in each area are different. For example, in Osh they give at least 20 blankets and mattresses. They take for a large dowry – eight toshoks, six double zhuurkan blankets and four single ones, ”the craftswoman said.

Traditionally, two types of toshok are prepared for brides. With national patterns, and sewn from scraps – kurak.

“This is a chicken with a so-called“ eye ”in the center. Protector for the family from the evil eye. This is a sign of infinity, fertility, multiplicity, ”explained Okeshova.

Sewing toshok takes a lot of time, effort and patience. There is a lot of small work here. In this Nargiz is helped by her husband. It is he who cuts out small pieces that the craftswoman collects on a typewriter.

“We have been married for five years. I am very proud of my wife. She is diligent, does everything with love. During the quarantine, I was left without work and now I help her, ”said Nargiza's husband Urmat Okeshov.

There are many customers. These are mainly residents of the capital and neighboring regions. Several times Kyrgyz Toshoks were sent to Russia and Turkey. National blankets are now a piece of furniture. Ermek Zhanyshova is a regular customer. She says it's a great gift to family and friends.

“I have been using these toshok for a year and a half. The quality is excellent and they decorate the house, ”said the buyer Ermek Zhanyshova.

In addition to toshoks, Nargiza sews eco-bags in the national style. She not only pays tribute to the traditions of her people, but also calls on to preserve nature – to abandon plastic bags.