“A KIRGHIZ BRIDE” (AINPNB-104)
Central Asia. Wood engraving. c.1877. The bride (who is probably Kazakh) is wearing a traditional headdress called a “saukele” by the Kazakhs and “shokulo by the Kyrgyz. It was tall and conical and elaborately decorated with silver and gold ornaments, cornelians, and coral beads. A wealthy Kazakh family could spend a small fortune on one – the value of one hundred horses. | |
KIRGHIZ MOTHER and SONS (AINPNB-106).
Central Asia, 1898. The family shown here are part of the same group as in photograph AINPNB-102. One of the boys is wearing an ikat robe, the other a bekasab robe. Their mother is wearing the traditional headdress of married women from northern Kyrgyzstan. Called an “elechek”, this turban was made from a long length of narrow white cloth that was wrapped around a plain cap. |
“KIRGHIZ NOMADS YURT” (ATNPNB-107).
Central Asia, c.1910. Russian period postcard. These men may actually be Kazakh. At this time, the Russians called the Kazakh people “Kirghiz” or “Kirghiz-Kaisaks” and the Kyrgyz people, “Kara-Kirghiz”. Confusing, when coming across these terms in 19th and early 20th century writings. |