A yurt, a traditional Tuvan dwelling, represents a unique model of nomadic worldview and mentality. All household items are adapted perfectly to the nomadic way of life: they are made of natural materials (wood, metal, leather, wool, etc.); they are durable and lightweight, which is important for constant migrations.
A special place among interior items is occupied by a cradle, “kavai” in Tuvan. The kavai cradle is one of the sources of research into the material and spiritual culture of the Tuvan ethnos. Like other peoples, Tuvans believed that the cradle was not only of practical value, but also had a sacred meaning, determining a special social status of the infant in the family.
Tuvan people viewed the kavai not just as a place for an infant to sleep but as a kind of “nest”, “home”, so certain rituals were observed when making a cradle. Besides, a kavai served not just one child in the family but was handed down from generation to generation.
A hook (aatkyysh) was used to hang the cradle in the yurt. Made of spruce, cedar and birch, it was a work of art if made by a real craftsman. The most popular decorative patterns of wooden hooks were simple geometric shapes (zigzag line and small diamonds). The composition of the patterns was made more expressive by means of the play of light and shade, where convexities are seen darker and depressions lighter, creating volume and relief. Later, iron was used to make hooks. The aatkyysh is a sacred thing.
When wishing the child well, the following words were often said “aatkyishta astyngan, kavayynda chaygangan…”, literally “to the hook of the cradle where the child swings”, thus wishing the child a carefree and happy childhood.
A very strong hide rope or a lariat twisted from horsehair was used for the suspension. The rope was tied to one of the yurt’s poles. The hook hitched the cradle strap for suspension. The cradle was placed between the bed and the chest (aptara).
The baby was rocked without jerking, pulling and releasing the rope tied to the cradle. According to tradition, the mother sang lullabies during that time.
Nowadays, hooks, just like cradles, have fallen out
of use.
