Science journal MUSEUM.KZ

EVOLVING MUSEUMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: SHARED IDEAS

Jordana Pomeroy — 2025-09-30

Abstract. This paper explores how museums in North America have adapted to sweeping social, economic, and environmental changes in recent years. Using findings from a survey conducted in 2022 by the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) and a survey conducted by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), this paper identifies key leadership priorities that may be relevant to museums worldwide. The author, Director of the Currier Museum of Art (CMA), a 100-year-old art museum in New England, lends ideas based on recent institutional strategic planning. The paper is intended to offer ideas based on some practices in North American museums and how such practices might be implemented through strategic planning, leadership recruitment, community wellness programming, and investment in infrastructure. The goal is to create cooperation among museums globally, sharing successful solutions to shared evolving challenges.

TRADITIONS AND INNOVATION IN RISTAN'S MODERN CERAMICS (UZBEKISTAN). NEW ARRIVALS AT THE STATE MUSEUM-RESERVE «TSARITSYNO»

Elena Ofitserova — 2025-09-30

Риштан қыш өндірісің тарихы кем дегенде сегіз ғасырдан асады. XIX ғасырдың аяғы мен ХХ ғасырдың басында технологияның дамуына, жаңа материалдардың пайда болуына, заттарды өткізу нарығының тарылуына байланысты бұл салада үлкен өзгерістер болды. Кеңес өкіметі жылдарында өндіріс бірнеше рет қайта ұйымдастырылды, шеберлер саны азайды. Алайда, атадан балаға мұра болып өтетін дәстүрлі қыш өндірісі сақталды. Тәжірибелі шеберлер жастарға технология мен безендірудің құпияларын жеткізіп, жұмыс дағдыларын үйретті. Жаңа түбегейлі өзгерістер ХХ ғасырдың соңында болды. Бұйымдардың жаңа түрлері мен декордың жаңа тәсілдерін игерген шеберлердің жаңа буыны қалыптасты; олар өнерде өз жолдарын табуға тырысуды. Бұл жағдайда дәстүрлі халық өнері авторлыққа өнерге жол береді, дегенмен дәстүрлер қазіргі шеберлерді шабыттандырудың «діңгегі» болып қала береді.

Қыш өндірісінің бүгінгі жағдайын анықтау сәндік-қолданбалы өнерді зерттеушілерге қазіргі заманғы өнер процесін түсіну және оның негізгі тенденцияларын анықтау үшін қажеттіліктен туындаған өзекті міндет болып табылады. Музей қорларын заманауи жұмыстармен толықтыру да маңызды міндет болып табылады. Мақалада ең танымал екі риштандық шеберлер – Әлішер Назиров пен Исмаил Камилов туралы айтылады, олардың шығармашылығында дәстүрге адалдық және жеке, авторлық қасиеттер бір-бірімен тығыз байланысты. Музейге алынған заттар осы шеберлердің стильдік ерекшеліктерін толық көрсететін эталондық жұмыстар болып табылады.

EXTREME OPENNESS: STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Linnea Grim — 2025-09-30

Many museum professionals and non-profit Boards in the United States are reimagining the role of their institutions within society. This article explores how Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stands out for its “extreme openness,” an ability to engage meaningfully with people from a variety of economic and educational backgrounds. From creating small, distinctive communities on its historic grounds, to offering inclusive events and low-barrier entry points, Strawbery Banke breaks down traditional boundaries between museums and the public. The article covers important topics related to Governance and Funding, a variety of programs that promote community engagement in the Museum, the role of events in fulfilling the Museum’s mission that is dedicated to preservation and education. Additionally, the author offers insights on how the Museum offers a range of options to decrease the barriers members of the public might feel when visiting the Museum. Throughout the article, the author offers insights on a current trend in museology within the United States – being as open and accessible as possible to a diverse public.

A. KASTEEV’S ARTWORKS IN THE COLLECTION OF THE AKTOBE REGIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND LOCAL LORE

Bakhtiyar Nurpeysov — 2025-09-30

The article examines the works of one of the founders of Kazakh fine art – Abilkhan Kasteev, preserved in the collection of the regional museum of history and local lore. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that the systematization and promotion of the artist’s works from regional museum collections contributes to the study of Kazakh fine art. The aim of the research is an art-historical analysis of two paintings by A. Kasteev preserved in the collection of the Aktobe Regional Museum of History and Local Lore: the portrait “Makhambet Utemisov” (1951) and the portrait “M.I. Kalinin Presenting the Order of the Badge of Honor to N. Baiganin” (1961). Particular attention is paid to the compositional solution, artistic style, subject matter of the works, as well as their place within the museum exhibition. The paintings are considered not only as works of art but also as valuable sources of historical memory, reflecting the social, cultural, and political realities of their time. Special emphasis is placed on how elements of socialist realism in the artist’s works are harmoniously combined with the national worldview, distinctive color scheme, and narrative imagery.

The conclusions of the study demonstrate the particular significance of preserving and promoting А. Kasteev’s works in the collections of regional museums for the study of Kazakh art and history. The results obtained are of interest to art historians, historians, and museum professionals engaged in the study of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and art.

TYPES OF CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN THE LIFE OF THE KAZAKH PEOPLE (A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF A. ISKAKOV’S MANUSCRIPT FROM THE FUND OF THE CENTRAL STATE MUSEUM OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN)

Zhanna Orynbekova — 2025-09-30

The article examines the manuscript by Arkham Iskakov (1885–1962) titled «Қазақтың өмірінде болған әдет, ғұрып, салт, сана», which is preserved in the collection of the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Attention is drawn to the fact that Arkham Iskakov, who dedicated his entire life to collecting, preserving, and shaping his rich heritage, was not only a memoirist but also an ethnographic source describing the traditional Kazakh way of life.

The article analyzes his role as a researcher and guardian of Kazakh national values, customs, and ethno cultural identity. The contribution of the manuscript to the preservation of national culture and the transmission of the customs and traditions of our people, which are practiced in the traditional Kazakh environment, is discussed. Special emphasis is placed on his efforts aimed at the revival of national identity, customs, and cultural values. The manuscript contains descriptions related to the tradition and the author's comments related to it. The manuscript’s role in preserving centuries-old heritage passed down from generation to generation through traditions, customs, forms of art, and lifestyle is explored.

The significance of this work lies in its potential use as supplementary material in assessing spiritual heritage and embedding it in the consciousness of future generations, particularly in the context of providing spiritual and moral education in educational institutions.

A DISTINCT ELEMENT OF KAZAKH HORSE CULTURE: BRIDLES (Using Exhibits from the Aktobe Regional Museum of History and Local Lore)

Kairat Talzhanov — 2025-09-30

This scientific article explores the ethnographic, historical, and artistic features of bridles preserved in the collection of the Aktobe Regional Museum of History and Local Lore. The bridle is examined as a significant component of traditional Kazakh equestrian culture, revealing its practical and ceremonial functions. The study provides detailed descriptions of the materials used, manufacturing techniques, artistic decorations, and functional characteristics. By analyzing museum exhibits from different historical periods, the research highlights the evolution of nomadic culture and the cultural significance of horse tack in Kazakh society. Special attention is given to the structure of the bridles, their decorative elements, and regional variations. The craftsmanship and aesthetic approach of traditional artisans are also considered, reflecting their role in preserving and enriching national heritage. The purpose of this article is to reveal the historical significance of the bridle, preserved in the collection of the Aktobe Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, as an important part of the history, life and worldview of the Kazakh people. This research represents a valuable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Kazakhstan’s cultural legacy, while also integrating important museum artifacts into scholarly discourse and making them accessible to future generations.

RESULTS OF FIELD ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AT THE PARYZDEPE SITE IN 2021-2022

Serdar Masharkov — 2025-09-30

The article provides a brief report on the field archaeological research conducted in 2021-2022 at the Paryzdepe ancient settlement in southern Turkmenistan. As a result of the work performed at the settlement, residential buildings and numerous hearths and furnaces dating back to the Eneolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages were discovered. Thanks to the research in 2021-2022, new materials were obtained. During the archaeological research at the ancient dwelling of the monument dating back to the late Eneolithic era, numerous Stone Age tools were found, as well as two small hearths and ceramics.

The finds discovered at the Paryzdepe ancient settlement are the first of the known new materials excavated in those years. The finds from the excavations were included in the museum collections of the Institute of History and Archeology of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. And also in accordance with the modern requirements of archeology, it is important to study these finds and archival materials of those years. The results of the study not only describe the archaeological features of the Paryzdepe settlement, but also emphasize its historical and cultural significance for the region.

ETHNOPOLITICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF OIRATS AND KAZAKH ZHUZES IN THE LATE MIDDLE AGES

Farhad Mustafin — 2025-09-30

The relationship between the nomadic peoples of Kazakhs and Oirats dates back hundreds of years. Clashes between Kazakhs and Oirats began in the second half of the XV century, almost simultaneously with the formation of the Kazakh Khanate. Тhe Oirats came out from under the rule of the Mongol khans in the second half of the XIV century. Ruled by their Taish, they settled in the territory of modern western Mongolia, Southern Siberia and Dzungaria and became neighbors of the Kazakhs. There are similarities in the socio-political structure of these two neighboring peoples. The aim of this article is to compare the socio-political organization of the Kazakh and Oirat people and to show the similarities of the political structures of states in the Late Middle Ages. The paper reveals the features of the political organization of Kazakhs and Oirats, which are due to the identical socio-economic conditions of nomadic life characteristic of Oirats and Kazakhs. Kazakh and Oirat societies in the Late Middle Ages consisted of unions of several ethnopolitical associations.

HISTORICAL CONDITIONS AND FEATURES OF THE FORMATION OF THE KOKSHETAU OUTER DISTRICT

Aigerim Satybayeva — 2025-09-30

The article examines some features of the socio-political situation in the Kokshetau region at the beginning of the 19th century. According to the Charter of 1822, the khan's authority in the Middle Zhuz was eliminated. The further transformation of the traditional institution of power took place gradually, when officials from other Kazakh clans, rather than representatives of the aristocratic "tore" family, began to be appointed to the posts of senior and volost sultans. The article includes a statement on the volosts included in the Kokshetau district dated May 8, 1824, which differs from other similar statements included in scientific circulation by an earlier date. This allows you to get information about the original administrative-territorial structure of the Kokshetau district. Those Kazakh families who refused to accept the new system had to migrate a certain distance from the outer district. The nomadic tribes, deprived of the best pastures, eventually had to return to their native nomads and became part of the district. Therefore, the statements of different times, for example, 1824 and 1857, have differences. In addition, the 1824 bulletin differs in the content of more detailed information.

ON THE HISTORY OF SETTLEMENT AND POPULATION SIZE OF ETHNIC BELARUSIANS IN THE TERRITORY OF KAZAKHSTAN IN THE 19th – EARLY 20th CENTURIES

Amanzhol Kalysh — 2025-09-30

Based on specialized literature and the multi-volume First General Population Census of the Russian Empire (1897), this article examines the population size and settlement patterns of ethnic Belarusians in the northern, eastern, southeastern, and southern regions of Kazakhstan. It is established that this process was predominantly forced in nature and unfolded in several stages. The first stage of resettlement was associated with the forced deportation of part of the Belarusian population following the suppression of national liberation uprisings in the mid-19th century. The second stage, which involved the majority of the landless peasantry, combined spontaneous migration with organized, planned resettlement carried out within the framework of the Stolypin agrarian reforms of the late 19th – early 20th centuries. The study shows that the formation of the Belarusian diaspora in Kazakhstan was closely interconnected with Cossack colonization processes, as well as with the migration of significant numbers of Russian, Ukrainian, and other European ethnic groups within the resettlement policy pursued by the Russian Empire in its national peripheries.

The chronological framework of the study covers the mid-19th – early 20th century, which corresponds to the period of the beginning of the spontaneous, and subsequently planned, resettlement of landless Belarusians, as well as Russians, Ukrainians and representatives of other ethnic groups from the European part of the Russian Empire who came into contact with them

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE RESEARCH OF THE CONCEPTS OF «FAITH» AND «KNOWLEDGE» IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ANCIENT TURKIC LANGUAGE PICTURE OF THE WORLD

Feruza Erzhanova — 2025-09-30

The present scientific article examines linguistic-philosophical and linguistic-cultural concepts, and is devoted to the constants of Turkic culture, a comprehensive analysis of the concepts of «Faith» and «Knowledge», and the peculiarities of their functioning based on literary monuments of the Turkic Renaissance era. The article presents a linguistic depiction of the world as interpreted by the poet-philosophers Yusuf Balasaguni, Mahmud Kashgari, Ahmet Yugneki, and Ahmet Yasawi. The content of this work constitutes the «core» of Turkic spiritual culture, as determined by the conceptual analysis.

The primary focus of this study is the analysis of the spiritual and religious foundations of the traditional culture of the Old Turkic peoples, whose civilizational core is Tengriism. Firstly, it necessitates an in-depth examination of the philosophical and methodological issues concerning the study of the spiritual and cultural foundations of the Old Turkic civilization. Secondly, it addresses the analysis of the processes of interaction between Tengriism and other religious systems. Thirdly, it presents a novel philosophical interpretation of the monuments of Old Turkic writing, as well as the works of Turkic poet-thinkers who established the foundations of the spiritual culture of Turkic-speaking peoples. This multifaceted approach is necessitated by the need to comprehensively reconstruct the cultural origins of the Turkic peoples.

The concepts of «Faith» and «Knowledge» reflect a complex system of spiritual, moral, and ethical dimensions within the linguistic worldview and the inner, spiritual life of the individual. Concurrently, these phenomena – particularly from a diachronic perspective – have not yet received sufficient attention within the framework of linguistic philosophy and require further multifaceted investigation.