Kerege

What is it

Kerege is a lattice of willow or tal slats tied crosswise with leather straps. When folded, it is a compact bundle; when unfolded, it is a wall. The size of a yurt is measured by the number of kerege: "six kerege" or "eight kerege" defines the area of the house.

How the lattice became a motif

The rhombic grid of the kerege has been transferred directly into the pattern — this is a rare case where the motif depicts neither an animal nor a plant, but the structure of one's own home. In the ornament, it signifies the stability of the way of life: a wall that can be folded and taken away, but cannot be broken.