Doora-khuun (doora-khumun) is a wooden keg with a capacity of 15–20 liters, with a natural knot in the middle. In the middle of the knot there is a hole, serving as the mouth of the vessel. A wooden cork is used to seal the keg. This is one of the most ancient types of Tuvan vessels. Such kegs were found in the early archaeological excavations on the territory of Tuva. Nowadays, the revival of the traditional culture saw Tuvan craftsmen begin to make doora-khuun vessels.

Tuvans used doora-khuun vessels to deliver araga (milk vodka) to the bride’s parents during matchmaking. Also, Tuvan cattle herders loaded doora-khuun vessels with koumiss (mare’s milk drink) and other fermented beverages on oxen during migrations.

The Tuvan compound word “doora-khuun” means the following: “doora” — transverse, horizontal; “khuun” — bucket.

The Tuvan museum presents a variety of utensils, mostly made of different types of wood. Wooden items have important properties for the nomadic way of life — lightness and durability. Wood is also known for its easy processing. Most wooden utensils were made at home, so it remains unknown who made them. However, the museum collection presents the works of the well-known artisan Kuzhuget Balgan. He was a narrator of folk tales and a master in making national musical instruments, shamanic and Buddhist paraphernalia, Tuvan national utensils, notable for their high quality and visual appeal.

The exhibition features a wooden keg for liquids (“doora-khuun” or “doora-khumun”) made by Kuzhuget Balgan. The cylindrical keg is made of a tree trunk. It is unusual in having its mouth in the middle (on the side) of the trunk. An offshoot was hollowed out for this purpose at the place where it branched off the tree. The walls of the vessel are sealed with birch bark plates. They are attached to the trunk with 32 wooden nails made of Siberian pea shrub.