Ancient art continues to shine thanks to Kazakh jeweler
NUR-SULTAN — Using a burner and simple tools such as tweezers and a hammer, Berik Alibai turns metals and precious stones into pieces of art.
The 56-year-old man has the nickname the “golden hands of Kazakhstan”.
In his workshop, swords and daggers seem to have been taken from Asian fairy tales. Rings, earrings and bracelets made according to nomadic traditions bring visitors closer to the lives of Kazakhs in ancient times.
Born in a small village in the Zhambyl region in the southern part of the country, Alibai comes from a craftsman’s family and has worked as a jeweler for about 40 years. The master has also taken part in the restoration of jewelry relics for the country’s national museum.
“My great-grandfather and grandfather were jewelers. When I was young, I always helped them. I dreamed of having my own workshop,” Alibai says.
“In the 1990s, the dream came true.”
Alibai says that Kazakh jewelry art was flourishing in the 17 th and 18th centuries, and his work draws inspiration from those ancient masters.
“Our work is piecemeal. Everything is done manually, without the use of machines, computers or technical devices,” he says.
“This is the only way to make an exclusive piece of jewelry,” he says.
Alibai is now focused on passing on his skills to the next generation.
“Being a jeweler is not easy. A lot of young people get excited about jewelry art, but only a few can finish the apprenticeship,” he says.
“I do not refuse anyone, so there have been many boys and girls in the workshop. I teach them for free, hoping that the beauty of this Kazakh art can be inherited.”
Alibai has been recognized as an honored worker of Kazakhstan and has received the Honorary Order of Carl Faberge.
His works are exhibited in the National Museum of Kazakhstan as well as in private collections both in Kazakhstan and abroad. The handmade jewelry he makes is also presented as national gifts to visiting foreign leaders.