These unique models, which are between 50 and 100 years old, are sold for prices ranging from 1500 to 2500 soms and quickly find their buyers. However, they are not purchased for spinning wool.
Modern artisans use spinning wheels to create vintage interior items that are becoming popular among decor enthusiasts and can fetch a good price.
Maxim Podgorny, a historian and local lore expert, explains that a spinning wheel is a wooden spinning device with a wheel, which first appeared in India and spread around the world, including Russia, where it became popular in the 18th century.
“When spinning wheels came to Kyrgyzstan from Russia, they replaced hand spindles, significantly simplifying the labor of Kyrgyz women, increasing productivity, and improving the quality of yarn. In the early 20th century, the spinning wheel became a symbol of women's labor: it was valued, not lent to neighbors, and an old one could be gifted to a bride at her wedding. The production of spinning wheels in Kyrgyzstan continued until the 1980s. Today, designers skillfully integrate them into interiors, creating unique items such as flower stands and coffee tables,” noted the historian and local lore expert.
