Vladimir Byurchiev, Horn Carving and Processing

Duration: 21 mins 32 secs

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Description:	Vladimir teaches bone and horn carving in a secondary school in Adyk village. He learnt this traditional craft from Viktor Sataev. The most widespread type of horns used in carving are those of cows or sheep. Compared to sheep, cows have soft horns that are easy to process. The Kalmyks usually do not use goat’s horn, because goats are rare in Kalmykia. In the beginning a horn is put in warm water to get it rid of impurities. In water the horn becomes lighter in color. Then it is polished with sandpaper. In the past when sandpaper was not available, polishing was done with a stone. The finished product is covered with varnish to give it a shine. Objects made from horns are durable and do not lose their color. Horns could be decorated with various ornaments, including geometrical, floral and zoomorphic patterns. These patterns are burnt on the surface of the horn with a special incinerator. People make souvenirs, combs, spoons, toys and amulets from horns. In his classes Vladimir teaches his pupils how to carve tulips. In order to give it the form of a curved ‘petal’ the bone is bent by heating.

Description:

Vladimir teaches bone and horn carving in a secondary school in Adyk village. He learnt this traditional craft from Viktor Sataev. The most widespread type of horns used in carving are those of cows or sheep. Compared to sheep, cows have soft horns that are easy to process. The Kalmyks usually do not use goat’s horn, because goats are rare in Kalmykia.
In the beginning a horn is put in warm water to get it rid of impurities. In water the horn becomes lighter in color. Then it is polished with sandpaper. In the past when sandpaper was not available, polishing was done with a stone. The finished product is covered with varnish to give it a shine. Objects made from horns are durable and do not lose their color.
Horns could be decorated with various ornaments, including geometrical, floral and zoomorphic patterns. These patterns are burnt on the surface of the horn with a special incinerator.
People make souvenirs, combs, spoons, toys and amulets from horns. In his classes Vladimir teaches his pupils how to carve tulips. In order to give it the form of a curved ‘petal’ the bone is bent by heating.


Created:	2017-03-09 11:20
Collection:	Kalmyk Cultural Heritage Project (CARPENTRY and BONE CARVING)
Publisher:	University of Cambridge
Copyright:	University of Cambridge
Language:	rus (Russian)

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