They are shaped like fantasy or real animals. Sculpted from clay and fired, they are partially or completely decorated with polychrome painting. Some were additionally covered with glaze. Traditionally, khushtak are an element of the rituals of the Spring Equinox day, originating in folk beliefs and magic. Popular with Uzbeks and Tajiks, they are associated with the celebration of the Eastern New Year - Navruz.
According to ancient tradition, their sound was supposed to scare away an evil dragon, symbolizing winter. Some also believed that their whistle could cause the wind and then the rain needed to cultivate the land.
No less interesting samples of Uzbek ceramics can be found in the book-album "Ceramics of Uzbekistan in the collections of the world" (volume XLIV) from the series "Cultural legacy of Uzbekistan in the collections of the world."
The general sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
