The National Archive of Kazakhstan recently hosted an exhibition displaying ancient jewelry and historical manuscripts. The collection was assembled by ethnographer Bahargul Tolegenova, according to a report by Kazinform on March 10.
The exhibition featured artifacts from the 5th to the 20th centuries, including pendants, rings, and amulets. These pieces highlighted the artistic and cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. One of the key exhibits was a 19th-century silver-plated leather belt. A historic photograph of its owner, discovered in a Russian archive, was displayed alongside it.
“I acquired this ancient belt in the early 2000s in the Taraz region. Today, the national archives presented an image of its owner at the exhibition,” said Tolegenova. “For this event, I selected 200 items from my collection, each representing a unique part of our history and heritage.”
The National Archive has conducted extensive research on Kazakh jewelry and clothing traditions. “Through the Archive-2025 and cultural heritage programs, we have gathered documents from foreign archives containing information about Kazakh jewelry, clothing, and traditions,” said Sagila Nurlanova, Head of the National Archives.
The exhibition also included manuscripts by Kazakh scholars such as Uzbekali Zhanibekov and Akseleu Seidimbek. Their works document the history of national attire and jewelry. The archive has also compiled a book on Kazakh names for gemstones, which will be released to the public soon.
The event was attended by members of parliament, cultural figures, and activists. Journalist Dana Nurzhigit emphasized the global influence of Kazakh jewelry.
“Kazakh animal-style ornaments were once displayed in Paris through the Hermitage Museum. Even today, designs like Cartier’s tiger bracelets resemble artifacts from the Turkic region,” she said.
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