A Brief History of Kazakhstan's Art Evolution
From the petroglyphs in the ancient caves to today's cutting-edge digital creations, art has always been a deep reflection of humanity's shared journey. Art has ceaselessly reinvented itself through varying eras, movements, and mediums, mirroring its epoch's societal, cultural, and technological shifts. This blog post will succinctly voyage through Kazakhstan's art evolution chronicle, spotlighting pivotal moments.
READ MORE
Exploring the Enigmatic Beauty of Ancient Kazakhstani Art
Colours of the Steppe: Symbolism and Imagery in Kazakhstan Art
Kazakhstan's Prehistoric Art Heritage
Kazakhstan's ancient monuments prominently feature prehistoric rock art. Particularly widespread are the petroglyphs, designs etched onto rocks using stone or metal tools. Due to limited human interference in many areas, numerous artworks have been preserved, offering ample resources for research.
The oldest artworks in Kazakhstan hail from the Paleolithic era. They were discovered in the Hantau and Karatau Mountains and primarily depict animals. From the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, petroglyphs unearthed in the Bayanaulsky cave (in Pavlodar) and the Tanbaly gorge (in Almaty) shed light on the lifestyle and customs of ancient tribes residing in present-day Kazakhstan.
The Tamgaly archaeological complex is a noteworthy site situated 170 km northwest of Almaty in the Anrakai Mountains. Around 2,000 petroglyphs were found here, most clustered in the primary gorge and its adjacent western side. Discovered in 1957 by a team from the Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences led by A. G. Maximova, in-depth study began in the 1970s and 1980s. The diverse rock etchings portray humans, animals, everyday life scenes, and even sun-headed deities. Horses, symbolising strength and beauty; deer, representing power; and eagles, emblematic of immortality and the sky, are recurrent themes.
Tamgaly Archaeological Complex
Around 2,000 petroglyphs were found here, most clustered in the primary gorge and its adjacent western side.
Protohistory: Kazakhstan's Golden Legacy
During the first millennium BC, the area surrounding the Ili River in today's Kazakhstan was inhabited by the Saka tribes. Their artistic works were integral to the wider Scythian art culture that spanned the Eurasian steppes. These creations are primarily found in the kurgan burial mounds.
The most notable find from the Saka era was uncovered in the Issyk Kurgan, situated near Almaty, in 1969. Known as the 'Golden Man', this distinguished Saka figure was dressed in clothing decorated with an array of gold plates, resembling a gilded statue. Most of the retrieved jewellery was made of gold, skilfully fashioned through casting, embossing, and engraving, producing detailed designs from prominent sculptures to subtle reliefs.
The 'Golden Man' is adorned with a distinctive high-peaked turban embellished with gold plates featuring illustrations of horses, snow leopards, and sprawling trees. A necklace with tiger heads at both ends encircles the neck, and gold earring accented with turquoise. Suspended from the belt are a sword encased in a red leather sheath to the right and a gold-adorned iron dagger to the left, the latter exhibiting engraved images of various animals, including wolves, mountain sheep, and foxes. The tall hat resembles the 'saukele', a traditional headdress, which continues to be a significant element of Kazakh wedding attire.
Initially displayed in the Kazakh Museum of Archaeology in Almaty, the treasures of the Issyk mound, including an impeccable replica of the ‘Golden Man’, now reside in the State Museum of Gold and Precious Metals in Astana.
Photo credit: inform.kz
You can view a replica of the renowned ‘Golden Man’ in the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan.
Islamic Era in Kazakhstan
During medieval times, several communities flourished across present-day Kazakhstan. The bustling trade on the Great Silk Road infused the local culture with novel art methodologies, reshaping artists' ingenuity in the region.
Key cities such as Isfijab, Yangikent, Suyab, Kayalyk Mirki, and Kulan, situated along the banks of rivers like the Syr Darya, Talas, Chu, and Ili, became pivotal hubs for culture, religion, and commerce. These cities bridged the agricultural oasis with the nomadic steppe and established links between the East and West.
Prominent cultural, science, and art centres included cities like Otrar, Taraz, Balasagun, Sygnak, and Sauran. Architectural marvels of the era, such as the mausoleums of Babaji-Khatun, Aisha-Bibi, Alash-khan, Dzhuchi-khan, Kozy-Korpesh, and Bayan-Slu, along with Tamerlane's tower, stand as testament to the period's architectural prowess. Particularly noteworthy is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassavi in Turkistan, one of Central Asia's grandest structures, commissioned by Timur in the 14th century to honour preacher Yassavi. Adorned with intricate designs, the mausoleum boasts a vast cauldron made of a seven-metal alloy, which, for a period, was displayed in Russia's State Hermitage Museum before its return in 1989.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, architecture in Kazakhstan evolved significantly, focusing on the development of arches, vaults, and domes. There was a concerted effort to use high-quality building materials, producing bricks and glazes. These bricks, frequently in shades of blue, white, or green, were used prominently in the external walls of structures. Inside these buildings, murals and relief designs became more prevalent.
Beyond architecture, the medieval period saw the rise of carpet weaving and pottery in Kazakhstan. Intricately designed carpets served decorative and functional purposes, with some even worn as protective garments. Dominant themes in local designs encompass floral patterns, hunting scenes, traditional games, and depictions of animals, particularly the horse, a symbol of beauty and strength in Kazakh culture. These majestic creatures were not only vital for transport but also held religious significance, often being sacrificed and buried alongside warriors.
Pottery frequently bore inscriptions in various languages, including Turkic, Uighur, and Sogdian, as evidenced by ceramic writings from the archaeological site in Aktobe, tracing back to the 9th–11th centuries.
The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkistan, Kazakhstan
Modern Kazakhstan
The birth of classical fine art in Kazakhstan traces back to the 19th century, inspired by Russian artists Vasily Vereshchagin and Nikolai Khludov. These artists travelled throughout Central Asia, capturing its beauty and spirit in their art. Khludov, in particular, nurtured many local talents, the most renowned being Abilkhan Kasteyev, in whose honour the State Museum of Art of Kazakhstan is named.
By the 1950s, Kazakhstan's distinct art style had blossomed. Local painters and sculptors, schooled in the Soviet art education system, began to infuse their works with national motifs. Key figures in Kazakhstani art from this period include painters like S. Aitbaev and S. Mambayev and sculptors like R. Akhmetov.
The late 1980s saw the emergence of the avant-garde movement in Kazakhstan. This movement sought to challenge established art forms. Artists like B. Tulkeev and A. Sydykhanov created intricate psychological and mystical compositions, while K. Duisenbaev channelled nature's inner forces through expressive formalism. A. Menlibayev and E. Kazaryan reignited interest in traditional folklore and ornamentation.
After Kazakhstan declared independence in 1991, significant transformations occurred across all sectors, art being no exception. Notable monuments from this period include the Ablai Khan monument in Astana and the Independence Monument in Almaty, symbolising Kazakhstan's rich heritage and bright future.
Written by: Amira A. (Curator)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the significance of Kazakhstan in the history of art?
Kazakhstan boasts a rich and diverse cultural history, echoing its nomadic traditions, Turkic heritage, Islamic influences, and Russian ties. Throughout its history, Kazakhstan has offered unique visual, musical, and performance art forms that set it apart from its neighbours.
What are some ancient artistic traditions in Kazakhstan?
Petroglyphs, or rock carvings, in areas such as Tamgaly represent some of the earliest artistic expressions. Other ancient traditions encompass the crafting of ornate jewellery, bronze sculptures, and the design of traditional yurts.
How has nomadic culture influenced Kazakh art?
The nomadic way of life has greatly shaped the art of Kazakhstan, particularly in creating portable items like rugs, felts, and embroidered textiles. The traditional mobile home yurt is an architectural testament to this lifestyle.
Who are some renowned Kazakh artists?
Notable artists include Abilkhan Kasteyev, Aisha Galimbaeva, and Salikhitdin Aitbaev. These artists, among others, have played crucial roles in establishing and championing Kazakh national art, particularly during the 20th century.
How has Islamic culture influenced art in Kazakhstan?
Islamic culture brought with it manuscript illumination, architectural features such as mausoleums and mosques, and decorative arts using geometric and floral motifs.
How did Soviet rule impact Kazakh art?
The Soviet era initiated a drive for modernisation and ideological alignment. Whilst this period curtailed some traditional and religious artistic expressions, it also introduced new forms, techniques, and themes, often mirroring Soviet realism.
What role do festivals play in Kazakh artistic traditions?
Festivals such as Nauryz (New Year) are integral in showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts. These events play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting traditional artistic practices.
This post reflects our views only. We accept no liability for its content. No legal action can be taken against us based on this information. Use at your own risk.