Mongolian Traditional Handcraft
Mongolia has a special handcraft technique passed down onto people for hundreds of years. Almost every region had their special patterns, which they carved onto the jewelry, statues of gods and even utensils.
Jewelry smiths with years of experience under their belts try to master this region specific patterns and truly craft a masterpiece. Ever since humans started using tools, Mongolian handcraft evolved through millennia and found its modern shape. Constant demand of tools for animal husbandry and products made from raw materials of livestock greatly affected the development of handcraft.
Mongolian women made every piece of clothing the family might need themselves, ranging from boots to hats as well as ropes, carpets and rugs. Girls were taught how to make Deel and boots from a young age and this skill was expected from a good bride. Just like this, men made tools and utensils.
Most of the men could smith jewelry themselves, such as rings, hair decorations, silver cups, belts, hat jewelries, snuff bottles were made with various precious metals and stones. As for god statues and fully engraved saddles, these were made by master craftsmen.
Woodcarving and metalsmithing were the most prized skills a craftsman would have. Mongolian woodworking is specialized in friction locking mechanisms.
Starting from the wooden chest to whole Ger, now is used, everything is locked in place with puzzle mechanisms. There are wonderfully made pieces with extremely detailed wood carving such as cups, horse head fiddle, chess, canes, horse whips exhibited in museums.
