An ilgich is a traditional embroidered textile created for wall hanging use in Central Asian homes. These items often formed part of a bride's dowry. They display distinctive nomadic patterns worked in silk and wool on cotton foundations, reflecting nineteenth and early twentieth-century traditions.

How were these textiles used?

Nomadic families utilised these embroideries as wall hangings, bed decorations, and ceremonial horse or saddle covers. They served both practical and decorative functions in domestic spaces. Items like uut kap ilgich pieces decorated the interior of traditional dwellings, while saddle covers appeared during ceremonial events.

How do I hang a textile?

Mounting a textile safely requires distributing the weight evenly across the top edge. Conservation framing or a sleeve stitched to the reverse prevents sagging. Keep pieces away from direct sunlight to protect the natural silk and wool threads from fading over time.

Where does this embroidery come from?

These pieces originate from the Lakai people, an Uzbek tribal group based in Central Asia. Specific items trace back to locations such as Shakrisabz in Uzbekistan. The making traditions span the late nineteenth century through the early decades of the twentieth century.