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Traditional and contemporary art of Kazakhstan

A Virtual Journey into the World of Kazakhstan’s Artistic Heritage

This Web Gallery presents the diversity of artistic practices in Kazakhstan, reflecting the continuity of cultural traditions and the dynamic development of contemporary creative processes. The virtual exhibition features works based on national images, symbols, and themes, as well as artworks by contemporary artists who reinterpret the country’s cultural heritage through contemporary artistic forms, expressive means, and modern technologies.

The selected works demonstrate the relationship between traditional and contemporary art, revealing the distinctive features of the national worldview, cultural identity, and cultural meanings. The presented materials allow viewers to trace how elements of historical and cultural heritage are reflected in contemporary artistic practice, while maintaining their significance and relevance in an increasingly globalized world.

The Web Gallery is aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s artistic heritage, expanding public access to works of art, and fostering a lasting interest in national culture and art among a wide audience.

Qoramsaq

Kazakhs. Late 19th–early 20th centuries. From the collection of the Museum of Art and Ethnography, Russian Academy of Sciences.

Qoramsaq

Oq kap or koramsak is a traditional quiver for arrows, which was an important attribute of nomadic horse equipment. For Kazakh nomads, bows and arrows were necessary not only during military operations, but also in everyday life, including hunting and self-defence. In some cases, these items served as symbols of social status and legal standing, reflecting the owner’s position in the tribal hierarchy.Until the mid-19th century, bows and arrows were actively used for hunting, but with the development of new technologies and changes in the lifestyle of nomadic societies, their importance in everyday life gradually declined, and they almost disappeared from everyday use.As a rule, the basis of the “oq kap” was the tough skin of cattle or horses, which gave the quiver strength and durability. Embroidery, embossing, metal plaques or silver inserts were used for decoration, and sometimes felt and fabric were also used. The seams were made with strong leather or plant fibres, and the edges were often trimmed for additional protection against wear and tear.