Textile traditions of Karakalpaks: quraq and zhyrtys in family rites

Abstract

The article discusses ritual Karakalpak fabric traditions, including the cloth patches — zhyrtys — in the rituals of the Karakalpak family cycle and the quraq patchwork technique, as one of the popular types of traditional craft. Ritual patches endowed with symbolism were traditionally used in rituals of the transitional period, marking the milestone state. Quraq was used to make various items, including children's clothing: jackets — kurte, children's robes — bala shapany, hats — toppy and skullcaps — taqyya. The patchwork technique was an essential attribute of wedding rituals and was used to create ritual wedding curtains — shymyldyq — bedding items — quraq korpeshe — and other bedding from korpe-tosek. Products with patchwork patterns were widespread on the daily? life of the Karakalpaks: patchwork mosaics covered tablecloths dastarkhan, tutqysh grips, bags for storing food un shanash. The tradition of distributing patches to this day accompanies the funeral rite of the Karakalpaks, where it is equated with the distribution of the deceased's property. The study of the symbolic meaning of patches in the Karakalpak culture suggests that these items were most often used at key stages of life: birth, wedding, and funeral. In addition to their functional value, these products were endowed with the properties of a powerful counterweight to evil forces and evil intentions, and also contributed to longevity and fertility.