Almaty native makes 2,000 unique whips in 50 years

Yessenkeldy Kulzhabayev from Almaty has made over 2,000 unique whips (Kamcha in Kazakh), turning them into true pieces of art, for 50 years, Kazinform News Agency reports.

The ancient art of whip braiding was and is an integral part of Kazakh culture and history, which is alive to date thanks to whipmakers such as Yessenkeldy Kulzhabayev.

A whip for a Kazakh is not just a tool, but a symbol, a reminder of ancestors, says the master.

Yessenkeldy Kulzhabayev adopted the trade from his father, while watching him work and repeating him. The whipmaker uses different braiding types from tight to cut, even up to 40 cords in one whip.

The master authored the tutorial, gathering all his knowledge and experience, which became popular across the country. Yessenkeldy also conducts master classes for children and adults, teaching them the art of whip braiding. Among his apprentices is 5-year-old Dariga, who learnt how to make a whip in one week. Her first-ever work she gifted to her elder brother.

Whipmaker Yessenkeldy, who believes that art is not measured by money, gives out his works as gifts to his family members and friends. He cherishes the dream of running his own courses for more people to experience this unique trade.