The sculptures convey not only the identity of the people, but also that of the mountainous country where this wonderful art flourishes. Tuvan carved stone sculptures are a fine example of artistic stone work.
Raisa Arakchaa is rightfully considered the first female stone carver of Tuva. Her artistic work is mentioned in the books “History of Folk Art of Tuva” by Sevyan Weinstein and “Artists of the Republic of Tuva” by Svetlana Chervonnaya. More than 100 stone-carved works are kept in the collections of the National Museum of the Republic of Tuva.
Raisa Azhievna was born on December 10, 1925 in Kara-Tal, Ulug-Khemskiy kuzhuun of Tuva in the family of a simple arat herdsman. As a child, under the influence of her mother and uncle, she learned to make various crafts and toys from bark and wood. Her meeting with the renowned stonecutter, Hertek Koshtayovich Toibukhaa, who inspired her on her difficult creative way, was of great importance in her fate. The works of sculptors Mongush Cherzy and Bayinda Bayyr, who lived nearby, influenced Raisa Azhievna’s development as a master.
The works of Raisa Azhievna show purely feminine observation skills, harmonious use of patterns and the desire to convey a psychological portrait of the depicted object. Also, the elegance and accuracy of modeling of her work are noted by all.
The small sculpture “Shaman” by Raisa Arakchaa is presented at the exhibition of the National Museum of the Republic of Tuva. The work is distinguished by subtle psychologism: the shaman’s eyes are closed, his mouth is ajar, which shows his immersion in a trance during performing his ritual. The portrayal of the shaman’s clothes and attributes is also very authentic. In his right hand he holds a beater (orba), in the left — a tambourine (dungur). The outer side of the beater is decorated with a carved pattern, long twisted strips of cloth are tied to the handle. The figure of the shaman is dressed in a cloak. Along the sleeves (from the edge to the elbow) are fluttering ribbons. They are shown with semi-relief carved grooves. Behind and in front of the cloak are two rings each to fix “snakes” (egin chylan). Tails of the “snakes” hang freely to the ground. Behind and in front on the shoulders there is a carved pattern in the form of symmetrical curls. On the head of the shaman is a headdress (hat with a small crown, cone and ribbons) with feathers. The ropes on the front — protection from evil spirits — are represented in the form of relief grooves with notches.
