Intricately crafted, gold vapor coated saddle being kept in Bayan-Ulgii aimag

Art & Culture
munkhzul@montsame.gov.mn
2020-04-24 10:23:28

Bayan-Ulgii /MONTSAME/. Although the method to craft equestrian gear as well as its features and use by the Kazakh people of Mongolia is very similar to other ethnic people in the country, there are certain features of cultural heritage that makes it unique. Kazakh saddles are distinct for its upright pommel and laid-back cantle, making more space for a rider to sit as its shape is nearly flat. The saddle’s length and width is longer than those of any type of Mongolian saddles. The saddles can be divided into groups for how it was made as well as its shape: kerey (herey) and naiman, for its usage: normal and decorative, and for the person that will be riding it: men, women, and children. Women’s saddles are specifically made larger than those used by men in order to make it more comfortable for mothers to carry their swaddled babies. The saddle which serves as an expression of the nomadic culture of the Kazakh people is currently being kept at the Local Studies Museum of Bayan-Ulgii aimag. Called as the gilt saddle, it is considered as a valuable exhibit made with intricate craftsmanship. Made of iron, its ornaments were plated with silver then coated with gold vapor. The saddle was specially crafted for a young woman of the early 20th century that was being sent off to a family for marriage.