Tuskiz (Wall Hanging)

Description

This is a tuskiz, a traditional decorative wall panel and a distinctive example of Kazakh decorative and applied arts. The object was intended to decorate the interior of a traditional dwelling.

The ornamental composition is arranged symmetrically. Two large diamond-shaped motifs dominate the central section. These elements are made using the traditional quraq qūrau technique, a form of patchwork in which geometric compositions are created by sewing together pieces of differently coloured fabric. Inside each diamond are repeated angular elements that gradually increase in size from the centre toward the edges. The ornament resembles traditional Kazakh motifs known as “köz” (“eye”) and “shatyr” (“tent”).

The corners and edges of the object are decorated with ornamental borders. The colour palette is rich and warm, dominated by red, yellow, blue, green, and violet, reflecting the traditional palette of Kazakh ornamental art. The artefact demonstrates the distinctive features of traditional Kazakh textile arts and the decorative traditions of the interior of a Kazakh dwelling.