These decorative shields, known as qalqans, were created by Rustem Skybin, a ceramicist with a deep interest in Crimean Tatar heritage and the ornamentation of military objects. They echo ancient decorative compositions that Skybin discovered on Tatar weapons and armour.

Crimean Tatar decoration is characterized by floral ornamentation and an important motif of the Egri dal – a winding branch with numerous flower blossoms and fruits. Geometric shapes were common, and one of the most characteristic decorations is a composition of mihrab arches. The decoration on most artifacts are difficult to read today due to distortion, wear, or improper storage conditions. The history of Crimean art is also poorly known due to the occupation of 1783, when a very large number of artifacts were destroyed.

There is no comprehensive analysis of the traditional ornamentation of the Crimean Khanate’s military artifacts. On the basis of comparisons, attempts have been made to “read” the decoration and identify the work of Crimean masters. This culture had certain canons that differed from one craft to another and were influenced by technical features. However, medieval helmets have a technological link with the ornamentation of coins in the 19th and 20th centuries. The ornamentation of the artifacts of the Giray dynasty can be compared to that of Crimean armour, etc.

Through his work, Rustem Skybin has created a link between different eras. The ornamentation of 17th–18th century military items reflects a constancy of tradition, and thus Skybin interprets the symbols in terms of the transmission and preservation of meaning and a respect for specific compositions.

The exhibition QALQAN. Symbols of Crimean Tatars will open in the Bastion of the Vilnius Defence Wall (Bokšto g. 20, Vilnius) on October 9th 2024 at 6 PM and will be held until April 27th 2025.

Creative team

Author and curator Rustem Skybin
Coordinators Gabrielė Rimkutė and Zakhida Adylova
Architects Giedrė Narbutienė and Eimantas Ludavičius
Graphic designer Jurga Karosaitė
Educator Adomas Gricius
Communications coordinator Akvilė Matulionytė