Brief Encyclopedia Signs and symbols of Kazakh culture

Shalbar / trousers

Another type of clothing with which the Kazakhs associated the term «üydin kūty» was the shalbar (pants), especially the underwear, which could serve as the first diaper for a grandchild and remained in the family after the death of the owner. The reason for the sacralization of the garment was its direct contact with the human body and human energy, i.e. it originally had the meaning of a talisman with increasing connection to the meaning of male strength, potency, etc. (loincloth), which is reflected in the decoration of traditional Kazakh turbans made of leather (suede), which were usually worn on ceremonial occasions. They were covered with multicolored tambour embroidery, the composition of which contained the ideas of wishes for good luck, prosperity, fertility and so on.

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ШайгОзова Ж.Н., Наурзбаева А. Б.

Краткая энциклопедия знаков и символов казахской культуры.

Алматы: КазНИИК, 2023.