The Ulytau region creative fair "Heritage of the Golden Horde," held at the Qazaq Creative Hub as part of the national Creative Aimaq project, became a space where ancient craft traditions acquired a contemporary twist. One of the artists whose work attracted particular interest was Kazybek Mukanov, an artisan reviving the art of artistic bone carving, passed down through generations.
His works, crafted from natural bone and wood, combine the profound philosophy of traditional Kazakh arts and crafts with a contemporary artistic vision, revealing new facets of the national cultural heritage.
Kazybek Mukanov was born in 1960 in the village of Kazbek in the Ulytau region. He has dedicated over 36 years to teaching. After retiring, the master returned to a craft passed down for centuries in Kazakh families from generation to generation. Over the past two years, he has created a collection of original souvenirs and decorative items crafted in the national style.
According to the master, bone is considered a sacred heritage in Kazakh culture, so working with it requires special skill, patience, and respect for tradition. Each piece undergoes a lengthy and complex processing process: the bone is cleaned, boiled, degreased, and only then is the national ornamentation applied. The final stage is artistic finishing, and some pieces are adorned with golden elements symbolizing wealth, well-being, and prosperity.
One of the central works in the exhibition is the decorative panel "Art of the Steppe." Made from natural bone and local wood, the composition conveys the spirit of nomadic civilization, the richness of the Kazakh worldview, and the beauty of traditional crafts. Equally interesting were the items crafted from ram shoulder and pelvic bones, decorated with images of shanyrak, tulpar, asyk, and traditional Kazakh ornaments. Each piece is imbued with profound symbolism and reflects the connection between generations.
Even during his years as a teacher, Kazybek Mukanov introduced schoolchildren to folk crafts, organizing creative clubs and competitions. Today, popularizing traditional Kazakh art has become a true calling for him.
"The crafts passed down to us from our ancestors must not be forgotten. If young people understand their heritage and are able to develop it in accordance with the demands of the times, art will live on for many years to come," says the master.
Kazybek Mukanov's work convincingly demonstrates that the rich craft traditions of the Ulytau region are not only preserved but are also being further developed. His works are a shining example of how national cultural heritage can be organically integrated into the modern creative industry while preserving its identity and historical value.