Residents and guests of Chuvashia can now explore a rich ethnographic collection from the late 19th to early 20th centuries at the “Visiting the Tatars” exhibition. The display features complexes of traditional Tatar women’s costumes — both everyday and festive attire — as well as household items, elements of clothing, tableware, and musical instruments.

The exhibition also showcases works of decorative and applied arts, including the traditional leather mosaic craft, an ancient art form distinctive to the Tatar people. Most of the fabric and leather items, as well as jewelry, are adorned with intricate floral ornaments.

A prominent place in Tatar decorative art belongs to graphic design and calligraphy. This is vividly represented by handwritten Qur’anic pages created by the renowned calligrapher, artist, and restorer Damir Katib Akhmatgaliev.

The ethnographic section of the exhibition unites works by well-known artists from Russia and abroad. A total of 55 paintings and graphic works by 27 authors were produced during twenty international art symposia on contemporary art held in Yelabuga, organized by the Yelabuga State Historical, Architectural, and Art Museum-Reserve. These paintings and drawings vividly depict Tatar customs and rituals, national holidays, scenes from folk epics, childhood memories, and landmarks of Tatarstan.

A distinctive feature of the exhibition is its interactive design:
visitors can enjoy videos about Tatarstan and sand animation illustrating the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Digital photo frames provide educational information on traditional leather mosaic, tambour embroidery, household structure, and women’s ornaments.

By scanning QR codes, visitors can discover recipes for national dishes, and using interactive information stands, they can learn at least 20 basic words in the Tatar language.

Source: mincult.tatarstan.ru