Xinjiang Kirgiz "Xiuniang": Happy Life Is At The Fingertips

In a shop in Chuangye Street, Akqi County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, there are embroidery products with novel styles and exquisite workmanship. "Embroidery women" twist threads into the holes and spin their hands. The head of the shop Ma Yireguli Tayirehong tells them the essentials of embroidery from time to time.

Kirgiz embroidery is a special folk embroidery art, which is mainly popular in the Kirgiz inhabited areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In June 2008, Kirgiz embroidery was included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

The raw materials of Kirgiz embroidery are twisted wool and silk threads. The embroidery methods are divided into embroidery, binding embroidery, inlaying and painting. Most of them are themed on the sun, moon, stars, flowers, trees, birds and animals. There are also rich and diverse geometric patterns, which are mainly used to decorate clothing, shoes and hats, pillows, cloth sheets, blankets and other daily necessities.

"Elderly people embroider at home, girls have been edified since childhood, and their interests have gradually developed." On the 3rd, Ma Yireguli Tayirehong said in an interview with reporters that she learned from her mother the outline of Kirgiz embroidery and color layering from childhood. As she grew older, she became more skilled.

In 1998, Ma Yireguli Tayirehong was given the opportunity to study in Guangzhou, and came into contact with modern embroidery technology, which led to the idea of combining Kirgiz embroidery with modern embroidery. After returning to her hometown, she improved her craftsmanship through repeated exploration, and modern embroidery products with Kirgiz embroidery characteristics were praised by villagers.

"The product has a market, but it is difficult for me to meet the needs of customers alone." Ma Yireguli Tayirehong recalled that from then on, she wanted to try to start a business, and let more people master the craft to increase their income and become rich together.

In 2000, Ma Yireguli Tayirehong raised funds to open the "National Clothing Embroidery Shop", which soon became famous in Aheqi County and gradually attracted more customers. In 2015, she incorporated the company. In 2016, the Women's Federation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region provided her with 200000 yuan (RMB, the same below) of financial support.

From studying embroidery to opening a sewing shop to setting up a company, Mayreguli Tayrehong became a local entrepreneurial model of self-reliance and self-reliance. She said, "I have lived a good life with my own hands, and I hope to pass happiness on to more people through a needle and a thread."

Ma Yireguli Tayirehong carried out free training on Kirgiz embroidery in the company, and many people came to learn. The company has more and more products, including more than 40 kinds of clothing and tapestries.

Over the years, Mayreguli Tayrehong has trained more than 50 apprentices, and the company has 7 fixed employees. She often tells her apprentices and employees about her entrepreneurial stories and encourages them to refine their embroidery skills.

"She not only taught me embroidery skills, but also gave me confidence to start my own business. When I returned home after learning, I opened a clothing store in the countryside, and the income was getting better every year." Toby Aishan said.

(Source: China News Network)