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Union in 1991. It features the hammer and sickle and
the red star over a globe below which is the rising
sun. Two wreaths on either side bear seven ribbons
each, with one in the centre, representing each of the
15 Republics. Surrounding this are roundels, each
representing the emblem of one of the constituent
republics of the USSR. While each Republic generally
has its own emblem, they all feature the hammer and
sickle, red star and rising sun. In addition to these
repetitive motifs, emblems of many of the republics
also include features that are characteristic of their
local landscape, economy or culture. Almost all of
them depict symbols of socialism and progress in
the Soviet Union: industry, cotton buds, and power
towers amongst others. Versions of each Republic’s
flag are visible above the roundels, to the left or right.
Surrounding the roundels are six-petalled flowers
flanked by leaves with scrolls around the edges,
patterns typical of Kyrgyz embroidery. A solitary horse
is embroidered in the upper left corner, referring to
the nomadic life of the Kyrgyz. In the same corner,
a lone dove can be seen as if caught in mid-flight,
possibly signifying peace among the republics of the
Soviet Union.
72
CEREMONIAL SOVIET TENT
HANGING
BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, DATE EMBROIDERED 1958
AT UPPER CENTRE
Hand embroidery with cotton thread on cotton
fabric, satin in centre and edging
64.75 x 152.5 in (165 x 388 cm)
$ 4,550 - 6,065
Rs 3,00,000 - 4,00,000
The present lot is a contemporary interpretation of a
traditional
tuskiz,
or tent hanging, which depicts the
Soviet Empire of the 1950s. It was probably made as
a propaganda tool to hang in a government hall for
important events or political rallies in Kyrgyzstan. It
may even have hung in a local tribal leader’s tent to
demonstrate his allegiance to the Soviet Union.
Embroidered on a black ground, the overall shape and
composition of the present lot follows that seen in
most tent hangings of this type. In the centre is the
state emblem of the Soviet Union, which was adopted
in 1923 and used till the dissolution of the Soviet