Adyghe folk crafts with Goshefizh Abredzh

Interview with the head of the Department of decorative and applied arts of the Adyghean Republican children's school of arts on name of K. H. Tletseruk, member of the Union of artists of Russian Federation, master on tapestry weaving and haberdashery Goshefizh Abredzh.

- At the Department of decorative and applied arts in the Adyghean Republican children's school of arts on name of K. H. Tletseruk you are teaching "Adyghe folk crafts". What program do you use?

G. A.: When I was preparing a program for this discipline, I’ve faced with the first question:  possibilities to learn this educational material for children and accessibility of available material for learning. Technologically difficult processes, such as mintage, skin secretion were not suitable for a lesson of 40 minutes. Therefore, we have made a program "Adyghe folk crafts" choosing those types that were technologically more convenient for studying at school, such as: ornament, haberdashery, gold embroidery, weaving of mats, felting. This program became available for learning, and it had only to create a methodically lesson plan.

- According to your methodology, do they learn Adyghe folk crafts separately or together? What is studied in the first place?

G. A.: In the beginning of this learning program, we get acquainted with the ornament, its semantic signification, we look for recognizable elements in it, we explain the way of its construction. Children consider interesting to find an imagery and meaning content in the ornaments. Then it’s easier for them to understand technological principles of manufacturing. For a more detailed study, there are such informative sources as the book of Min-Kutas Azamatova "The Adyghe folk ornament" or the work of Felix Nakov "Tkhyphe – Adyghe (Circassian) signs system". So, Min-Kutas Azamatova gave full information about ornaments, and Felix Nakov presented them in the form of ancient writings.
I suppose, the appearance of ornament is explained by its utilitarian value. At the same time, one ornamental pattern could exist on various household items. Ornament is a fundamental knowledge necessary for the study of Adyghe folk crafts. It’s presented in all kinds of crafts.
Answering the question about my methodology, for example, studying the pattern with one axis of symmetry, we are trying to know where it can be used in everyday life, that is, on what household items.

- So after studying the ornament, do you teach folk crafts? How is it methodically presented?

G. A.: Methodically, this program is just constructed from simple things to complex production and then to combination of elements. For example, having got acquainted with the ornament with one axis of symmetry, we study the flat haberdashery. After that, we can make a small panel using these two types of knowledge.
Another example: when we are studying the gold embroidery, we draw an original pattern, and then we learn how to lay a thread on fabric. This is one of our exercises. In the future, learners can combine several types of crafts in one item. For example, a mat for watches, where there are ornament, gold embroidery and weaving.
Complicating the task, we begin to manufacture products which can already be used in modern life. For example, handbags, needle pads, pouches, fans, cosmetic bags.

- How many years does this program created by you continue?

G. A.: The program’s duration is 5 years, with a gradual complication of technologies and materials. For myself as a teacher, I set the goal that my learners could use knowledge and skills in everyday life of modern Adyghes. There are our folk arts and crafts!  And we have to keep them!
I would like to note after the end of learning, our graduates receive a certificate of pre-professional artistic education at the Adyghean Republican children's school of arts on name of K. H. Tletseruk.

- Can you consider your program of learning the Adyghe folk crafts unique?

G. A.: Honestly, I object to use the word "unique". Today, we have a lot of information and literature about crafts; well-known masters give their master-classes. But this program is adapted to the educational process; it has its goals and objectives, clearly formulated for learning in a special school of arts.
In addition, with the Adyghe folk crafts, we also study different subjects such as "Drawing", "Painting", "Composition", "Sculpture", "History of folk culture and fine arts".
It’s important to note the certificate of termination of learning with this pre-professional program allows entering in any specialized educational institutions, as architectural college or specialized high schools of arts.

- You've been teaching at the arts school for so many years. Do you have any wishes for the future?

G. A.: I would like to see more Adyghe children in our school and that they would express their desire to learn Adyghe folk crafts. Unfortunately, today the creative activity is not considered as a way of making money, it’s not appreciated in a professional point of view. But to preserve self-identity, self-consciousness, belonging to the Circassian people, it’s necessary to study the Adyghe folk arts and crafts.
We will wait for new learners. Usually, the documents are accepted every year from the end of April to May. The entrance exams pass in the first days of June. Next year, I will take a group of children for 2019-2020. I hope my classes will be interesting and pleasant for my future learners.

- Thank you very much for this interview!