A Central Asian quiver of the Late Middle Ages from the Novokuznetsk Museum of Local Lore

Abstract

The article considers a leather quiver stored in the Novokuznetsk Museum of Local Lore (KP-1975). Previously, it has not become the object of scientific research. The purpose of the study is to introduce information about the quiver into scientific circulation, to clarify its dating and attribution. Results. It is established that in the first half of the XX century the quiver was part of the private collection of the Kuznetsk local historian K.A. Evreinov, and after his death it was transferred to the museum collection. When registering the item, it was recorded as "Quiver – shore". This type of quivers belongs to the wide range of Central Asian quivers of the second half of 16th – mid 19th centuries, but differs from other Mongolian and South Siberian quivers by some features of its construction and ornamentation. The features of the similar quivers are high pointed back, massive upper “eye” extended far forward, and refuse of the ornamentation of the outer side of the quiver with metal plates except for the buckles of the belts and rivets bordering the quiver. All quivers of this type known for today are from the south part of West and Central Siberia, South-East Kazakhstan and Tibet. These regions were invaded by Western Mongols-Oirats (Dzungars, Khoshuts, Derbets etc.) in 17th – mid 18th centuries. The period of usage of the quivers of this type coincides with the period of the domination of different Oirat’s states in the aforementioned regions. . It allows to consider the quivers of this type as quivers of “Oirat’s type”. Conclusions. Based on the design and design features , the quiver from the Novokuznetsk Museum of Local Lore can be dated to the XVII – mid XVIII centuries. It could have been made by both Oirat and South Siberian masters of this period.