The Mongolian Ornaments

One of the oldest Mongolian ornaments is the horn ornament. Ethnographic researchers believe that nomads created this ornament by replicating the long and curved horns of wild animals. Flowers are considered the beauty of nature and people have been using flowers for thousands of years to express their love and respect. It is no different in Mongolian culture, so there are many ornaments that represent the petals of a flower. Of course, the nomadic culture of the Mongols greatly influenced the national ornaments. In a way, nomads are real minimalists. This affected the crafts of the nomads and everything from utensils to tools is made as small as possible such as the ornaments. This can be seen from the decorative ornaments on wooden boxes, saddle accessories, decorative ornaments in bars and beds, etc.

Mongols have decorated palaces, monasteries, tents, and ger with different patterns. Each ornament represents certain meaning. Mongolia has over 1,500 national ornaments. These are divided into five main categories: geometric, animal, vegetable, natural, and religious. Nowadays designers are looking for ways to combine this national design with modern design. They follow this one definition when looking for a new design: “A new design is created when traditional symbolism, artistic presentation, images, ornaments, and consonances are in perfect harmony”. For example, the form is a representation of the symbol, the hidden meaning of a feeling, and the artistic expression. Each ethnic group has this particular form of ornament that represents their culture and tradition. A prime example of Mongolian ornaments are the shapes and symbols of the moon, sun, fire, weapons, and horses, the heart of equestrian culture. Mongolian ornaments stand for an eternal and happy life, everlasting nature, and harmony between man and nature.

Types of ornaments:

Horn ornament: symbolizes the growth of livestock and the happiness of nomadic people.

Ölzii ornament: represents the growth of knowledge, wealth, happiness, and good karma.

Hammer ornament: represents endless movement and eternal life.

Khorol ornament: represents robustness

Tumen-Nast or Eternal Age Ornament: represents the infinite eternal happiness of the people.

Royal bracelet and wagon: represents loyalty and eternal love of man and woman. Wedding rings in Mongolia have the following ornament.

Butterfly ornament: Represents friendliness like the movement of the flying butterfly.

Fish ornament: Represents good deed, happy, and imaginative attitude.

Ornament of lions, tigers, dragons and Garuda: represents a person's spirit, strength, knowledge, and good deed

Flower ornament: represents eternal peace and happiness. Water ornament: represents the happiness and growth of farm animals.