From ornament to talisman: workshops at the National Centre RUSSIA showcased how Yamal preserves the crafts of peoples of the North

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The National Centre RUSSIA hosted workshops organised by the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area. Visitors learned to work with Nenets ornaments, fur and felt, mastered bone carving and assembled pendants from reindeer antler. Under the guidance of experienced craftspeople, participants created memorable souvenirs and discovered the traditions, daily life and customs of the peoples of the North.

At the "Patterns of the North" workshop, participants worked alongside craftswomen from Novy Urengoi to create talisman pendants featuring Nenets ornaments. Kindergarten teacher Tatyana Smetanko explained that four ornaments were presented at the session: "Pine cone, bear, capercaillie and sun. In Nenets tradition, these were cut from cloth or tanned reindeer hide and used in clothing and jewellery. Each ornament carries its own sacred meaning — it is not simply a pattern, but a talisman and a reminder of family values."

To create their own talismans, guests used natural reindeer fur, felt, braid, decorative ribbons and beads. A simplified version using glue was prepared for children, while adults sewed all elements by hand. Throughout the process, participants learned many interesting facts about the culture and traditions of the peoples of the North.

"They told us in detail what each ornament means in Nenets culture and which ornaments suit different people. For example, the 'bear' ornament is associated with strength and courage, so it is more suitable for men. My brother chose it for his talisman. 'Pine cone' symbolises family unity and togetherness — my mum chose that one. I have the 'capercaillie' ornament. I will hang my talisman above my bed because it symbolises healthy sleep," said eleven-year-old workshop participant Polina Levina from Volgograd.

Polina noted that she has always enjoyed creating and making things with her own hands. She was therefore delighted with the workshop, but she also remembered the fascinating stories about the North: how people live there, what role women play in the family, what men do, and why ornaments for them are not simply decorations, but talismans and part of the people's history. The participant confessed that she now really wants to visit Yamal and see everything with her own eyes.

The "Art of the Ancients" workshop was dedicated to bone carving and working with reindeer antler. Artist Ivan Savitsky from Salekhard showed visitors the carving tools, explained how patterns are applied and how surfaces are processed.

"Each ornament has its own purpose. For example, the 'capercaillie hen' is a talisman for sleep, for women and children, while bear or wolf tracks are for boys and men, as a symbol of strength and courage," the master explained.

A separate session was dedicated to assembling pendants from pre-cut reindeer antler pieces. Under the guidance of Anastasia Kolganova, participants created authentic chest ornaments, combining antler elements and beads.

The workshops organised by the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area at the National Centre RUSSIA introduced guests to ornaments, bone carving art and the symbolism of jewellery of the peoples of the North, and allowed everyone to take home a memorable souvenir created with their own hands.