Ethnic Features and Types of Traditional Women’s Decorative Jewelry of the Kyrgyz People

Abstract

The research on the features of ancient traditional women’s jewelry contributes to the implementation of the tasks devoted to preserving the cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan and the study of folk-art objects. Such research will expand the possibilities of studying the dynamics of the evolutionary transformation of the ethnic culture of the Kyrgyz people. The nature, functional significance, and design of traditional jewelry have always been closely linked to the customs and rituals common to the nomadic way of life of the Kyrgyz. The purpose of our research is to analyze and classify the ethnic features of traditional women’s jewelry and forming of a modern view on own history. The method of historical analysis, interviewing, questioning, as well as the method of objective analysis of historical and ethnographic facts were the main methods of the research. At the same time, this sphere remains as less explored, especially the problem of perception and awareness of the functional significance of decorative ornaments is still not worked out. The research is based on the field materials of the authors conducted in various regions of Kyrgyzstan. The work presents the results of research on the features of ancient women’s decorative jewelry, reflecting the identity of the Kyrgyz people and the presence of their own cultural and historical roots. The combination of ornamental elements, colors, and symbolic nature differs in age characteristics and functional purposes. The work presents a classification of traditional women’s jewelry by functional purposes and by age: up to 5-6 years old, from 7 to 12 years old, from 13 to 17 years old, from 18 to 40 years old, from 41 to 60 years old and over 60 years old. The research shows the ethnic-pedagogical role of decorative ornaments in the self-knowledge of a modern woman in the conditions of isolation from interaction with nature. This research contributes to the enrichment of history, increasing the effectiveness of education as an additional tool of psychological impact on the personal features of the younger generation.