One of the most impressive pieces is the khaykel — a massive silver breast ornament with carnelian inlays, complemented by pendants in the shape of diamonds and bells. This ornament served not only as a decorative element but also had protective functions. Another interesting item is the shar tuyme — a diamond-shaped plaque with long pendants, which was sewn onto clothing or a special breastplate called onghirshe. These ornaments emphasized a woman's status and position in society.
Particular attention is drawn to amulet holders, which came in various shapes and were used to store protective charms. One of the amulet holders, made of glass, features an inscription indicating that the ornament belonged to a noblewoman. This inscription contains well-wishes for health for the wearer, highlighting the sacred nature of these decorations.
Also noteworthy is a unique ornament made of narrow strips of red felt, bordered with green trim and adorned with Khorezmian coins. This ornament includes stamped plaques of tuyme and bokatuyme, which carry deep symbolism. The frog depicted on these plaques is associated with fertility and motherhood, reflecting the preservation of archaic beliefs regarding its role as the progenitor of the world.
In the museum's collection, there is a rare type of breastplate for a girl, representing a transitional variant from a child's ornament to an adult one. The upper part is made of red felt, typical for girls' decorations, while the lower part consists of a net woven from glass beads and coral, emphasizing the protective functions of this item.
Thus, the jewelry of the Karakalpaks is not only beautiful but also rich in meaning, reflecting the cultural and historical traditions of the people.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The collection of the Russian museum of ethnography".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
