About

Publications

Knowledge Database

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.

Carpet with Botamoyin ornament 19th c.

2nd half of the 19th century. Kyzylorda Region. Wool yarn, pile weaving. KP 23373 (Catalogue, 122)

Carpet with Botamoyin ornament 19th c.

The iconography of this carpet is extremely rare; its central field is entirely decorated with a botamoyin pattern. The carpet’s border features meander patterns with ‘hooks’. The arrangement of the patterns forms a straight mesh ornament. The mesh composition creates an effect of structural order. Experts believe that such all-over ornamentation without a distinct medallion point to an archaic tradition.The botamoyin pattern (literally ‘camel’s neck’) is an elongated, curved motif in the shape of a teardrop. It is related to the well-known ‘buta’ (or ‘peasley’) motif, but in the Central Asian tradition it has its own stylisation and semantics.