🧵 In the heart of the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a vibrant thread of history is being woven stitch by stitch by Kazakh artisans like Hatima Ainaidou.
In her late 40s, Hatima is a municipal-level inheritor of Kazakh embroidery and has spent over 20 years running a workshop in Urumqi County. She champions the art that decorates yurts, clothing, and everyday objects.
According to Hatima, Kazakh embroidery is a key way to decorate life, express feelings, and pass down culture. Recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, the craft dates back more than 2,000 years.
Originally, nomadic Kazakhs embroidered animal furs—such as deerskin—to beautify saddles and yurts. Embroidery also featured in marriage rituals, where a girl's dowry was considered incomplete without it. Many say that mastering the needle was essential for a Kazakh girl to marry.
Hatima learned from her mother and grandmother, both renowned embroiderers. Childhood memories of colorful fabrics and family gatherings inspired her passion. Today, she trains young artisans to keep the patterns and colors true to their origins.
As modern life transforms the grasslands, Hatima's workshop remains a cultural beacon. Each embroidered piece is more than a craft—it's a living story of Kazakh heritage and identity 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
