The National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan presents the traveling exhibition “Hand in Glove”, prepared by the Estonian National Museum (ENM) with the support of the Embassy of Estonia in Kazakhstan.
The exhibition presents one of the most iconic and poetic aspects of Estonian culture – the tradition of mitten knitting, which for centuries has served not only as a response to the northern climate, but also as a symbol of aesthetic sensibility, craftsmanship and collective memory.
The concept of the exhibition is based on the image of a “wish tree”, in which mittens become symbolic “blossoms” that preserve the warmth of hands and the soul of their maker. The exhibition features replicas of museum artefacts inspired by examples ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. Each pattern, color and ornament bears the imprint of its time, regional traditions and the personal stories of the artisans.
The works presented at the exhibition were created in collaboration with the Viljandi Culture Academy of the University of Tartu, based on authentic objects from the collection of the Estonian National Museum. The project aims to preserve and promote traditional crafts, transmit knowledge of traditional techniques and develop professional skills.
The traveling exhibition “Hand in Glove” has already been shown in several European countries, including Hungary, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia and is now being presented to the audience in Kazakhstan.
The project also includes an educational program prepared by the Estonian National Museum. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the symbolism of the patterns and to creatively interpret traditional ornamentation.
Mittens, as an element of traditional costume and a part of contemporary fashion, connect Estonia and Kazakhstan not only through similar climates, but also through a shared respect for cultural heritage, craftsmanship and the warmth of hands that create beauty by hand.
The exhibition dates are from January 16 to February 11, 2026.
Exhibition Curator: Reet Piiri (Estonian National Museum)
Design and Graphics: Merike Tamm
Project Producer: Kristjan Raba (Estonian National Museum)
The Estonian National Museum is an internationally recognized center of ethnology and cultural history, showcasing the everyday life and traditions of Estonians and other Finno-Ugric people. The museum’s collections include around 120,000 exhibits, also accessible online at www.muis.ee.
