Crafts

In the past, each ulus (administrative unit) had its own craftsmen and artisans who served the needs of the local population. Many craftsmen and craftswomen – especially those who processed pelt, sewed, made felt, mended furniture etc. – were not full-time artisans but ordinary nomads who undertook crafts as part of their household activity. Full-time professionals were mainly highly skilled artisans engaged in ceramic art, carpentry, and jewelry. Following decades of sedentarisation and industrialisation in the Soviet period, with its negative impact on nomadic culture and lifestyle, today many traditional crafts and methods are either forgotten or are rapidly disappearing.

This page hosts four video collections about traditional crafts, techniques, and methods.