Kubachi – the Village of Goldsmiths Mikhail Nokhov, Gymnasium # 1, Khasavyurt

Kubachi is village whose name is known far beyond the borders s of Dagestan. It is situated high in the mountains. The Darghins live there, representatives of one of indigenous nationalities of Dagestan. During the middle ages the village was widely known in Dagestan and abroad as an important metalworking centre, where coats-of-mail, swords, daggers and the like were produced. Kubachi is village whose name is known far beyond the borders s of Dagestan. It is situated high in the mountains. The Darghins live there, representatives of one of indigenous nationalities of Dagestan. During the middle ages the village was widely known in Dagestan and abroad as an important metalworking centre, where coats-of-mail, swords, daggers and the like were produced.

The very name of the village Kubachi – represent the Turkic from the Persian word “Zirihgheran”, which means “makers of weapons”. This land was mentioned by some Arab and Iranian historians and travelers as early as the 9-th and 10-th centuries. The very name of the village Kubachi – represent the Turkic from the Persian word “Zirihgheran”, which means “makers of weapons”. This land was mentioned by some Arab and Iranian historians and travelers as early as the 9-th and 10-th centuries.

The fame of Kubachi has been created by the skilful hands of its residents, who are masters of the amazing secrets of metal chasing. The craftsmanship of the local goldsmiths has been passed from one generation to another. And that’s why any boy or girl, who hasn’t yet learned to read or write, can handle, the chisel and work elementary designs on a copper or brass plate. The fame of Kubachi has been created by the skilful hands of its residents, who are masters of the amazing secrets of metal chasing. The craftsmanship of the local goldsmiths has been passed from one generation to another. And that’s why any boy or girl, who hasn’t yet learned to read or write, can handle, the chisel and work elementary designs on a copper or brass plate.

Historians claim that Kubachi art developed in the Bronze Age. Bracelets, rings, earrings, pins, and buckles, made at different times and bearing the Kubachi intricate chasing can be found in many museums all over the world. In Kubachi they also carve wood and stone, engrave copper, embroider with silk and gold threads, and weave intricate patterns and fabrics. But particular fame was achieved by local arms-makers, which ornamented their daggers, swords and pistols in the 18-th and 19-th centuries. Historians claim that Kubachi art developed in the Bronze Age. Bracelets, rings, earrings, pins, and buckles, made at different times and bearing the Kubachi intricate chasing can be found in many museums all over the world. In Kubachi they also carve wood and stone, engrave copper, embroider with silk and gold threads, and weave intricate patterns and fabrics. But particular fame was achieved by local arms-makers, which ornamented their daggers, swords and pistols in the 18-th and 19-th centuries.

At the beginning of the 20-th century Kubachi craftsmen were engaged not only in artistic finishing of the weapons, but also in the production of various adornments and silver objects. Some craftsmen made trips to various Russian towns, while others moved abroad – to Istanbul, Paris, Berlin and even to New York. The purpose of these trips was to deal in antiques and in some cases to work as jewelers. At the beginning of the 20-th century Kubachi craftsmen were engaged not only in artistic finishing of the weapons, but also in the production of various adornments and silver objects. Some craftsmen made trips to various Russian towns, while others moved abroad – to Istanbul, Paris, Berlin and even to New York. The purpose of these trips was to deal in antiques and in some cases to work as jewelers.

The feeling of the inhabitants of Kubachi for the real beauty of patterns and ornament in their works of art is reflected everywhere in their surroundings. Their homes are like miniature museum. In their guestroom one can see carved stone mantelpieces, a great number of copper cauldrons, trays and dishes, sometimes ornamented with amazingly intricate patterns. On the walls hang china and faience plates. Various utensils are set out carefully on the shelves. The feeling of the inhabitants of Kubachi for the real beauty of patterns and ornament in their works of art is reflected everywhere in their surroundings. Their homes are like miniature museum. In their guestroom one can see carved stone mantelpieces, a great number of copper cauldrons, trays and dishes, sometimes ornamented with amazingly intricate patterns. On the walls hang china and faience plates. Various utensils are set out carefully on the shelves.

Today, in the centre of the village there is a two-storied buildings, where shapeless pieces of silver, gold and cuprous-nickel are transformed into wonderful objects of art. In the history of art products, where dozens of craftsmen are busy with their creative work. They are mainly specializing in jewelry and the production of various souvenirs. The articles produced by then are distinguished by the fine executions, most delicate engraving and a broad variety of vegetation motifs. Today, in the centre of the village there is a two-storied buildings, where shapeless pieces of silver, gold and cuprous-nickel are transformed into wonderful objects of art. In the history of art products, where dozens of craftsmen are busy with their creative work. They are mainly specializing in jewelry and the production of various souvenirs. The articles produced by then are distinguished by the fine executions, most delicate engraving and a broad variety of vegetation motifs.