Kazakhs have many types of breast ornaments that are worn for beauty, one of which is the onirzhiek (next is the necklace). Wearing it also has a sacred meaning. Young girls don’t wear them. A distinctive feature is that it is worn only by brides and women of childbearing age. According to ancient Kazakh beliefs, jewelry was a kind of amulet to protect the breast from the evil eye and damage. It has a special protective meaning for nursing mothers.

The Azret Sultan Museum-Reserve has preserved several types of onirzhiеk. One of them was donated to the museum’s fund in 2017 by A. Hamidmergenulu, a resident of the village of Yntymak in Turkestan. The metal is silver, the time of manufacture is the beginning of the twentieth century, the length is 41 cm, the width is 9 cm.

A piece of jewelry consists of three separate parts. The parts are made of silver and are interconnected by metal chain rings. The decoration tells about the status, age, and condition of the hostess. It is also important that the upper parts have a square shape, and the last one is pentagonal. It symbolizes abundance and fertility.

The necklace is made of hollow silver with the use of coinage. To prevent bending, the hollow part was filled with white clay. Bells and pendants are installed in the lower part. A lot of small pendants on all sides of it means the growth and prosperity of generations.

The varieties necklace onirshe and onirtal were also used by the people. They are distinguished by their details. Onirshe is a three–row necklace decorated with multicolored stones. A silver necklace topped with silver, consisting of two tiers, is called an onirtal.

Currently, they are worn only on holidays and are used as a decorative element of Kazakh national clothing.

Battalova, employee of the foundation