The “Ethnography” Hall presents the daily life and worldview of the Kazakh people, formed over centuries, as well as their rich spiritual and material culture. The yurt — the central and most valuable exhibit of the hall — serves as a unique symbol of Kazakh culture. Exquisitely decorated and richly furnished, the yurt, with its intricate details, adds a special charm to the exhibition.
On the right side of the hall is a collection of jewelry testifying to the high craftsmanship of Kazakh artisans. Here one can see the ring «kudagi zhuzik», delicate hair ornaments «shashbau», the chest decoration «onirzhiek», hinged bracelets «topsaly bilezik», earrings, necklaces, as well as silver-plated belts, buckles, amulets «boitumar», and decorative buttons.
On the main wall of the hall is a panorama depicting the nomadic migration of the Kazakh people from the Mangystau Plateau toward the Naryn Sands. Beneath the majestic view of the steppe stands the figure of a camel, while closer to the viewer are sculptural images of Tolegen and Kyz Zhibek, symbols of love in folk culture.
Of particular interest are the blacksmith’s bellows of Kalmukan, a renowned master of the Naryn region, which have a history of more than two centuries. In addition, the exhibition presents household items and objects of folk decorative and applied art: traditional Kazakh clothing, tools for weaving carpets and «alasha», as well as items made of bone, wood, leather, and brass, reflecting the traditional culture of the people.
A special place is occupied by the camisole of Fatima Khanum, wife of Zhangir Khan, embroidered with gold thread, as well as a 19th-century man’s chapan sewn from velvet (panbarhat).
Thus, the “Ethnography” Hall exhibition showcases the millennia-old material and spiritual values of the Kazakh people that have been preserved to this day.
