Asel Kalkanova
Arirang Master - No: 2401
Brief Bio-sketch:
Asel Kalkanova, a proud Kyrgyzstani, was born on October 6, 1973, in the scenic Ak-Suu district of the Issyk-Kul region in Kyrgyzstan. Currently residing in the vibrant city of Bishkek, Asel is deeply connected to her roots and actively engaged in promoting the cultural heritage of her homeland. With a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of Kyrgyz culture, Asel is dedicated to fostering unity and appreciation for her country's rich traditions.
Qualifications:
Skill and Mastery:
- Asel Kalkanova is renowned in Kyrgyzstan for her expertise in organizing events and festivals both domestically and internationally.
- She has gained recognition for her unique collection of traditional Kyrgyz costumes, reflecting various tribal, social, and age characteristics.
- Her collection has been showcased in numerous countries since 2011, garnering awards and recognition such as the Grand Prix at the "World Nomad Games" Festival and the Medal "Pride of the People" for contribution to traditional culture.
Creativity and Innovation:
- Asel Kalkanova is actively involved in promoting the educational project "Atalar Izi" (In the footsteps of ancestors), which includes lectures on folk costume and traditional ethics.
- She collaborates with museums and educational institutions, donating part of her collection and engaging in restoration efforts.
Education and Mentoring:
- Asel inherited her knowledge of traditional crafts and costumes from her mother and grandmother, both renowned craftswomen.
- After graduating from Art College in 1993, she began teaching students traditional craft techniques.
- Since 2011, she has focused on studying and reviving traditional Kyrgyz costumes, conducting extensive research across Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries.
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Element:
- Traditional clothing holds significant cultural and historical value for the Kyrgyz people, reflecting their nomadic lifestyle, social structures, and spiritual beliefs.
- Asel's work in popularizing and preserving traditional costumes contributes to the transmission of cultural values to younger generations and fosters national self-identification.
Elechek:
- Elechek is a traditional Kyrgyz female headwear, symbolizing various aspects of life, including marriage, fertility, and community solidarity.
- Asel Kalkanova's involvement in the revival and transmission of elechek-making skills highlights the importance of preserving cultural rituals and promoting intergenerational ties.
This concise summary provides an overview of Asel Kalkanova's background, qualifications, contributions to cultural preservation, and her involvement in promoting traditional Kyrgyz customs such as elechek-making.