According to Zulayka, the wolf fur coat belonged to her father-in-law, and the "chachpak" belonged to his wife. This coat, made from the skins of five wolves, was crafted for Toktoraliyev Ulushbay, who was born in 1901 and lived until the age of 96.
The "chachpak" belonged to his spouse Aysulu, who was born in 1907 and lived for 92 years. Aysulu passed these items to her daughter-in-law Zulayka, who is now 84 years old.
Zulayka, who respects family traditions, decided to donate these items to the museum for safekeeping. The museum administration expressed gratitude to her for this gesture.
The "chachpak" is a hair ornament that attaches to braids and comes in many styles. It adds elegance and highlights the beauty of women.
The word "chachpak" originates from the ancient Turkic language, where "chach" means "hair," and "pak" means "ornament." Over time, this word came to denote a hair ornament worn by both brides and elderly women.
The chachpak consists of three parts:
1. The headpiece — attaches to the hair.
2. The middle part — contains decorations.
3. The lower part (chachyk) — is adorned with pendants.
Each nation has its own traditions in making the "chachpak." The lower part is often decorated with tassels made of silk or wool.
The "kelenker chachpak" was worn by young women; this ornament consisted of coins and tassels. The "chachpak" is also mentioned in the epic "Manas":
“Kelеңker chachpak, keng sooru, kelbeti nurdun kyzinday, uzun boylu jal-jal koz, chachpagyna karasaң, may sooruda zharkyldayt, baltyrkanday solkuldayt.”
The "karyshkyr ichik" is a traditional outer garment made from wolf fur. The outer part is often made from various fabrics, while the inner part is made from wolf fur. This clothing was worn not only as an ornament but also had ritual significance.
According to legend, Kyrgyz shepherds would divine using wolf tendons if they could not find a thief who had stolen livestock.
This outer garment was worn by noble people, including khans and manaps.
For example, in T. Kasymbekov's novel "Kel kel," it is described how Madamin bek and others presented such an "ichik" to Mikhail Frunze.
Some believe that wolf bile and other parts were used as remedies for paralysis, and the "ichik" served as a talisman against evil forces.
