Fir-tree, birch and cedar start singing in his hands. The exhibition of the creative family

The personal exhibition of art-works by the family of Herman Nakov was opened in Salekhard. The exhibition was organized within the project “Personal exhibitions of artists of Yamal for anniversaries and support for young beginning artists”.

The people’s craftsman of the Russian Federation Herman Nakov was born in a family of hereditary reindeer herders, his father taught him woodwork. After returning from the army, he became interested in folk instruments of Khanty people. He communicated with the elders, studied the art of the musical instruments “nares-jux” and “tor-sapl”, which have been played by Khanty people since ancient times. (The note: “nares-jux” and “tor-sapl” are stringed musical instruments played by plucking, varieties of a harp; “nares-jux” means “singing tree” and “tor-sapl” means “a crane’s neck”, “a swan”).

Now he is one of the few masters, who own the forgotten ancient craft of making traditional ethnic stringed musical instruments. All musical instruments are made of fir-tree, birch and cedar. He is a participant of regional and Russian events of international level, festivals of Finno-Ugric peoples, various exhibitions and fairs of master classes.

Yulia Nakova is the author of traditional ethnic costumes. She is a prose writer, who writes in her native language and is published in magazines and newspapers in the region, as well as in other editions, including one of Hungarian magazines. Yulia also collects and processes folklore of Khanty people. Handmade dresses and beaded items are being presented at the exhibition.

The deputy director of the regional house of crafts Konstantin Marushin thanked the creative family for their faithfulness to their culture and traditions.

“This is the only family in Yamal that dedicated the entire life to art, reviving traditional musical instruments. Neighboring regions turn to their experience”, he said.

The children Yelisey, Lily and Yelizaveta play musical instruments that their father makes. Their family instrumental ensemble “Nakovy” often represents Yamal at various contests, festivals and exhibitions. Their home is filled with bright and original life, sounds of the magical nares-jux and fragrance of fresh wood shavings and tea.

It should be noted that the opening of the Nakov family’s exhibition coincided with the celebration of the 30th wedding anniversary, which is called the pearl anniversary.

Photos can be found here: https://sever-press.ru/2020/03/06/v-ego-rukah-nachinajut-zvuchat-eli-berezy-i-kedry-vystavka-tvorcheskoj-semi/