Vintage Textiles from Central Asia
Discover a culture expressed in textile design and symbols.
Vintage Textiles from Central Asia
Discover a culture expressed in textile design and symbols.
Welcome to Tush Kyiz from Kyrgyzstan!
Discover how Yurt textiles, called the "Song of Silence" portray--in symbols and design--the culture of the Kyrgyz nomads before the Soviet occupation in 1921.
This collection explores the hidden narrative in Kyrgyz nomadic textiles. View more to discover what the symbols say about nomadic values and beliefs.
Literally "Wall Embroideries"
What are Tush Kyiz?
For centuries, the Kyrgyz nomads of Central Asia hung these large wall embroideries in their Yurts to describe in symbols what it meant to be Kyrgyz: honor ancestors, find joy in life, recognize balance, live free, honor the earth spirits, trust yourself, know your heritage, and ask for guidance from all these sources.
About Me
My name is Anne Marie. I am a retired teacher of English as a second language and I live in Spokane, Washington. From 2003 - 2006, I lived in Central Asia and worked as a teacher-trainer in the countries of the former Soviet Union. While living in Kyrgyzstan, I became fascinated with the beautiful, historical textiles called "Tush Kyiz" (literally, wall embroideries). they are large (12' x 6'), elaborately embroidered wall hangings, made for generations by master seamstresses called "Saimachy." Every Tush Kyiz expressed the originality of its creator and symbolized pride and allegiance to Kyrgyz traditions.
I did not mean to begin a large collection, but became enthralled with the unique artistry and extraordinary craftsmanship in these textiles. Through research and interviews, I have learned what these treasures once meant to the nomadic Kyrgyz people. However the Soviets were successful in discouraging their creation, so that today Tush Kyiz are considered a lost art. Most of the "TKs" in my collection date from the 1950s and '60s. Almost none were made after that. The Saimachys who created them are long gone, and younger generations, who were raised as Soviets, had no interest in making them. No longer hung in Yurts, Tush Kyiz today--even in Kyrgyzstan--are found only in museums.
Even if one knows nothing about the philosophy embedded within these creations, the Tush Kyiz are impressive works of art and craftsmanship. Look in our Masterworks Gallery for stunning examples of these wall embroideries.
Collectors
Collectors of historic art will be interested in Tush Kyiz as rare examples of a lot art form. Each is a one-off piece, a unique vision of its creator. Under Soviet domination from 1921 - 1991, practicing ethnic arts was discouraged, so generations born in Soviet times packed away their grandparents' treasures and never practiced this art. These magnificent creations now reveal the heart and soul of a people who lost their culture to Sovietization.
Designers/Interior Decorators
Tush Kyiz are large embroidered tapestries that create a stunning focal point in any room. Each design is unique. Colors may be bright and vivid or subdued. (See examples in Gallery.) Sizes vary from full 12' x 6' rectangles to banners that may be 4' to 12 ' long. Many pieces are signed in embroidery and dated by the artist. These tapestries look magnificent as a head-board design over a bed, in the living room of a formal salon, or on the wall of a rustic cabin. They are fascinating and stimulating works of art. Some smaller pieces are sutiable for framing (see Fragments).
Museums/Galleries
Tush Kyiz are available for exhibit and sale.
These large tapestries create an impressive artistic experience for the gallery visitor. Print information will enhance the visitor's understanding of what the Tush Kyiz meant to the Kyrgyz nomads.
A power-point presentation, "Unraveling the Mystical Tapestries of Kyrgyzstan," will illustrate how to "read" the symbols and interpret what they say about nomadic life in Central Asia.
These historic textiles would be valuable additions to Museums that have an interest in Asia, Central Asia, textiles, nomadic life, and cultural anthropology. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has purchased some for their Central Asia collection.
SACRED CROSSROAD: The primary motif in Tush Kyiz
The nomad's cross is one whose sides are all equal. It symbolizes the four corners of the world that the nomad travels.
The Crossroad also represents other choices in life that require wisdom and guidance. Symbols such as vines, trees, flowers and tridents are ancient motifs that remind the people that their lives are bound to their culture and to the spirit world.
The cross often has another cross upon it to represent all corners and all spirits of the earth.
At the center of these Crossroads is a form that symbolizes the spirit of God within you. This spirit is the most important one to call upon when required to make a decision.
In this crossroad, the first four corners are tulips--the flower that symbolizes Kyrgyzstan. Within the tulip is a figure that r
In the center of this Crossroad is a Soviet star. The creator was at this time a Soviet citizen and may have wanted to represent Soviet ideals. However the design repeats many times the head and horns of the mountain goat--the most common symbol of Kyrgyzstan.
Masterpieces: A Photo Gallery of Tush Kyiz from Kyrgyzstan's Textile Creations
