Esikqas
A typical Karakalpak yesikqas with the on yeki mu'yiz pattern

Early 20th Century

The unmistakable yesikqas typifies Karakalpak all-pile weaving. It was located inside the yurt and positioned above the door, behind the uwıqs and at the same level as the aq basqur. As such it concealed the end fastenings of the aq basqur. A pair of ishki janbaw were fastened to each side of the yesikqas, their other ends fixed to the kerege bas on either side. They therefore formed a pair of decorative garlands on either side of the exit.

Yesik means door and qas means eyebrows, so the yesikqas was literally the eyebrows of the door, a very appropriate description.

The overwhelming majority of yesikqas are woven in the twelve horns or on yeki mu'yiz pattern. Other designs were woven but are much less common.

More information on Karakalpak yesikqas will be added to this page over the coming months.


Pronunciation of Karakalpak Terms

To learn how to pronounce these Karakalpak words click here :

  • aq basqur


  • ishki janbaw


  • kerege bas


  • on yeki mu'yiz


  • yesikqas



























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