Eldar Mamytov

Stitching Kyrgyz Heritage
into Tomorrow

In the heart of Kyrgyzstan, Eldar Mamytov is reviving traditional Kyrgyz embroidery. Eldar employs age-old techniques, notably the “ilme shibege” method, which has mostly been forgotten for six decades.

“I study the traditional ornaments of my ancestors and I try to follow them in my work. I use patterns that our ancestors embroidered,” shares Eldar. Eldar’s work features traditional chapans (robes), shyms (wide pants), and the “tushkyiz” yurt panel, which tells the history of nomadic grandmothers who intricately embroidered stories onto canvases stretched over frames in small spaces. The “ilme shibege” connects the present to the nomadic past, ensuring that cultural heritage doesn’t unravel with time.Eldar elaborates on his craft, noting, “Some of the pieces are embroidered in the form of symbols that act as a talisman against the evil eye and they are a source of positive energy, and at the same time they are aesthetically and harmoniously made in traditional geometry and colors.”

Eldar’s goal is to popularize the embroidery craft of his ancestors, revealing the meaning of traditional patterns and instilling respect for natural handmade products that speak to the surrounding environment.