Research, Preservation, and Recreation of a Robe Unearthed from the Bolgan-Ana Mausoleum of the Jochi Ulus Era in Kazakhstan

November 5, 2024

   The Development Office, together with the Anthropology and International Development Department, is happy to invite you to the opening lecture on the reconstruction and preservation of a historical robe from the Bolgan-Ana mausoleum, dating back to the Jochi Ulus era of Kazakhstan, organized with the support of the "OSUN TSI Fellowship Support at AUCA."  Ms. Tetyana Krupa, a Threatened Scholars Integration Initiative (TSI) Fellow of the Open Society University Network (OSUN), will present the lecture. 

Date: 6.11.2023

Time: 16:00 

Location: room T16, American University of Central Asia

        Ms. Tetyana Krupa is the Head of the International Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Lab "UMAI" of the Institute of Archaeological Research of the Pavlodar Pedagogical University named after Alkey Margulan. Ms.Krupa is a renowned expert in the conservation and restoration of ancient textiles. She will present her research on ancient textiles from the mausoleum of Bolgan-Ana, thought to be either the daughter or daughter-in-law of Jochi Khan, from the Golden Horde period. Ms. Krupa has spent many years studying textiles found in the mausoleum with her colleagues, showcasing the abundant clothing styles of the Golden Horde nobility. Tetyana Krupa's extensive research includes studies of nearly 100 textile fragments from Central Asian archaeological sites featuring brocades, damasks, and vibrant silks, preserved due to their centuries-long resilience. In collaboration with other colleagues, she has been working on recreating garments from these ancient fabrics, offering insights into the luxurious robes of nobility during the Golden Horde era.

      The lecture will explore textile structures, dyes, and design techniques used in Central Asian and Eastern European garments, the influence of the Silk Road on fabric styles and methods in the region, and the efforts to recreate ancient garments, including a full replica of the Bolgan-Ana robe. Ms. Tetyana Krupa is currently studying and restoring two women's silk robes from the Karakhanid era. These garments were uncovered in burial mounds at the Orto-Tokoy burial ground during archaeological excavations in Kyrgyzstan in 2021 and 2024. These robes, preserved over centuries, offer valuable insights into the craftsmanship, textile technology, and cultural practices of the Karakhanid period. During her lecture, Ms. Krupa will present the initial findings of her research, discussing the materials, weaving techniques, and possible cultural significance of these garments, shedding light on the daily lives and aesthetic preferences of women from that era. This talk is a rare opportunity to explore the history, craft, and legacy of the Golden Horde era and early periods of textile artistry on the territory of Central Asia.

To respond to an invitation, please contact anthropology@auca.kg or by phone at 0553 580 884.

We look forward to your participation in this extraordinary journey into Central Asia's textile heritage!

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