Amulet-base made from saiga horn (akboken).

Description

Amulet made of horn (or decorative item)
This item was used in the everyday life of the Kazakh people as a decorative element or amulet. Such objects most often served as adornments for household items or were hung in cars, homes, and yurts as amulets to protect against misfortunes and the evil eye. Sometimes men wore them on their belts or clothing.
Items made from natural materials are environmentally friendly and exemplify traditional craftsmanship.
The long, curved shape of this item is made from the natural horn of a wild mountain goat or saiga antelope. At the top of the horn, there is a hole through which a leather cord is threaded for convenient hanging. Despite the fact that the surface of the horn is fully processed, its natural textures are preserved. The color of the horn is yellowish-brown, gradually transitioning to a lighter shade at the tip.
The horn was used as an amulet, and according to ancient beliefs, as a protective symbol guarding a person’s path and the well-being of the home. In the perception of the Kazakh people, the horn is a symbol of luck and wealth.
• Materials: Natural saiga horn, leather cord.
• External characteristics: Natural yellowish-brown (January) color of the horn and preserved ring textures. A special hole is drilled in the lower part of the horn through which a strong leather strap passes for attachment to the wall or frame.
• Protective properties (Meaning of the amulet): The Kazakhs considered the saiga a sacred animal. Its horn was hung in the main corner of the house, at the threshold, or above the cradle of a newborn with the belief that it would protect against the evil eye, misfortunes, and malevolent spirits.
• Symbol of the steppe: The saiga is an ancient totem of the Kazakh steppe and a symbol of freedom. Items were made not only as amulets but also as handles for whips, knives, or various decorative objects.
Resident of the village of Nura M. Qanapiyanova.