Qalqan
Only three weeks – from 4 to 26 October 2025 – the exhibition Qalqan. Symbols of Crimean Tatars will be on view in the Cupola Hall of the main building of the Latvian National Museum of Art in Riga (Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1).
The Crimean Tatars are one of Ukraine’s indigenous ethnic communities with deep roots and resilient cultural vitality, despite severe historical repressions. Today, Crimea holds a strategically, militarily, and symbolically significant place in Russia’s war against Ukraine, since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine’s sovereignty began with its annexation in 2014. The exhibition features decorative shields known as qalqans, created by contemporary Ukrainian ceramic artist Rustem Skybin. The qalqan is a round battle shield traditionally used in Crimean Tatar weaponry. At the same time, it is also an art object, carrying ornaments with symbolic meaning. Rustem Skybin revives this form in ceramics, combining decorative art with the language of historical symbols. Artist has a deep interest in Crimean Tatar heritage and the decoration of military objects. His ceramic works echo ancient ornamental compositions he discovered on Tatar weapons and armour.
Crimean Tatar decoration is characterised by floral ornaments, and an important motif of the Egri dal – a winding branch with numerous flower blossoms and fruits. The floral elements embody rebirth, resistance to injustice, and protection. Geometric shapes are common, and one of the most characteristic ornaments is the composition of mihrab arches. The ornaments on most Crimean Tatar artefacts are difficult to read today due to deformation, wear, or improper storage conditions. The history of Crimean art is also poorly known due to the occupation in 1783, when a very large number of artefacts were destroyed.
There is no comprehensive analysis of the traditional ornamentation of the Crimean Khanate's military artefacts. On the basis of comparisons, attempts are made to "read" the ornaments and to identify the work of Crimean masters. This culture has certain canons, which differ from one craft to another and are determined by technical features.
Through his works, Rustem Skybin creates a link between different epochs. The ornaments of the 17th-18th century warfare reflect the constancy of tradition, and therefore the artist interprets the symbols in terms of the transmission and preservation of meaning, and the respect for specific compositions.
The exhibition at the Latvian National Museum of Art is presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Latvia.
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