The history of making korpe began with the appearance of the first nomadic peoples. Korpe served our ancestors as chairs and beds, blankets and carpets. The Kazakh word “korpe” is translated as a “mattress”. This is a common attribute of every Kazakh house in the village of Aleksandrov-Gai, Saratov region.
Sheep or camel wool is used to make korpe. Pure raw materials are placed on one part of the fabric, closed with the other one and stitched with large stitches so that the wool lies flat and does not shift. Then the needlewoman puts a bright cover on the almost finished korpe mattress. Different techniques are used: fabric appliqué, embroidery on velvet, patchwork with mosaic geometric floral patterns.
Many women are engaged in the manufacturing of korpe. There are many needlewomen in the village of Aleksandrov-Gai, Saratov Region, who have preserved the old tradition. Recently, there has been a tendency to decorate homes in a national style, and to treat guests during festive celebrations at a low round table, at which they sit not on the usual chairs, but on the traditional korpe.