Shanyrak

Interior imitation

Shanyrak, or tunduk (, , , , , , ) is a structural element that crowns the dome of a yurt in the form of a latticed cross inscribed in a rim. It is designed to hold the lateral elements of the dome — uyk poles and create an opening for sunlight and smoke from the hearth to escape.

Structure

The shanyrak consists of a wooden rim with a convex lattice inside. On the outer side of the rim, there are holes for the "uuk" roof poles.

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  Kazakh shanyrak
• 
  Mongolian toono

Folk customs

Among the Kazakhs, the shanyrak was a family heirloom and a symbol of the continuation of the lineage. Under no circumstances could it be turned upside down or dropped. The son who inherited the shanyrak was called "shanyrak iesi" ("keeper of the shanyrak").

Many rituals, beliefs, and sayings are associated with the shanyrak. "Speak while looking at the shanyrak" ("Shanyrakka karap soyle") — this was said to those who behaved inappropriately in someone else's yurt or spoke too loudly. If blood gets on the shanyrak, it must be split and burned in fire. Otherwise, it is believed that evil spirits will not leave the house.

In heraldry

The shanyrak is depicted on the state flag of Kyrgyzstan, on the emblems of Kazakhstan and the Bayan-Ölgii Province of Mongolia (where the majority of the population consists of Kazakhs), as well as on the 2005 emblem of Kyzyl.

• 
  Flag of Kyrgyzstan
• 
  Emblem of Kazakhstan
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  Emblem of Bayan-Ölgii Province
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  Kyzyl emblem
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  Flag of Osh Region
• 
  Flag of Jalal-Abad Region

External links

• Dwellings of Siberian inhabitants

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