In an unexpected yet profoundly personal artistic venture, world-renowned sculptor and artist Dashi Namdakov, acclaimed for his monumental works and contributions to cinema, has turned his prodigious talent towards a more intimate medium: handcrafted dolls. This exhibition, titled “Ulger: Tales and Dreams,” not only showcases his versatility but also his deep cultural roots, as each piece is a collaborative effort with his four sisters, weaving together generations of Buryat tradition and myth.
The Colossus and the Craftsman
Dashi Namdakov is hardly a stranger to grand scales. His résumé reads like a testament to artistic ambition: production designer for Sergei Bodrov Sr.`s Oscar-nominated film “Mongol,” creator of awe-inspiring bronze sculptures that have graced prestigious galleries from London to Beijing, and an academician whose work is celebrated globally. One might reasonably expect his next move to involve an even larger bronze beast or a more intricate film set. Yet, Namdakov, with a characteristic pivot that has kept art critics delightfully guessing, chose to explore the delicate world of miniature narratives.
For years, he honed his craft in places like Pietrasanta, Italy, a town famed for its marble quarries and bronze foundries, where his monumental “Tsar`s Hunt” once dominated the main square. His sculptures often evoke a powerful, sometimes ferocious, sense of the ancient nomadic spirit, imbued with an undeniable modern sensibility. But even as his international acclaim grew, a deep connection to his native Buryat village in Transbaikal remained a guiding force, evidenced by his initiative to establish a sculpture park there, a powerful statement against the slow erosion of rural traditions.
“Ulger”: Where Family Tradition Meets Fine Art
The “Ulger: Tales and Dreams” exhibition, currently captivating audiences at the Museum of the History of Buryatia in Ulan-Ude, is a departure that is also a homecoming. It`s a testament to the enduring power of family and the rich tapestry of Buryat heritage. Growing up in a household where boys were taught carpentry, woodworking, and forging, and girls mastered sewing, leatherwork, and embroidery, the Namdakov siblings were immersed in traditional crafts from a young age. These skills, passed down through generations, now find their expression in the exquisite detail of these dolls.
Imagine a team of master artisans, each bringing a lifetime of specific craft knowledge, converging on a single vision. That is precisely what happened. The dolls, crafted over several years starting in 2015, are a symphony of materials and techniques. Metal wire forms the skeletal structure, gypsum gives shape, while leather, elk bone, plastic, papier-mâché, yak hair, and various woods add texture and life. Techniques such as hand weaving, molding, intricate sewing, embroidery, lace decoration, soldering, and even specialized cabochon turning speak to a meticulous attention to detail that elevates these creations far beyond mere toys.
`Tea Party,` 2025. A blend of traditional attire and whimsical narrative.
A Pantheon of Poetic Figures
Each doll in the “Ulger” collection is more than an object; it is a meticulously crafted narrative, a miniature portal to a world steeped in Buryat mythology and folklore:
- The Keeper of Dreams: This delicate figure rests atop a small chest, her hands safeguarding its contents. It`s a poignant nod to the traditional Buryat chests that served as both furniture and sacred repositories in yurts, holding treasures both material and intangible.
- Mythical Riders: Dolls like “Princess” and “Legend” feature beautiful equestrians astride fantastical unicorns. These pieces draw directly from Buryat legends, where the unicorn is often a celestial white steed, a symbol of magic and power, capable of dispelling fears and traversing vast distances with ease.
- Motherhood: An elongated, almost tree-like figure, draped in celestial blue and adorned with intricate beadwork, wears a traditional Mongol woman`s cap. This piece subtly evokes the universal reverence for motherhood while infusing it with distinctive cultural iconography, with its base supported by ram`s heads.
- The Swan Girl (Khun Shubun): Created in 2025, this doll embodies the ancient mythological narrative of Khun Shubun, the celestial swan maiden who is the ancestress of the Khori Buryats. It recalls the tale of the young hunter Khoredoy Mergen, whose cunning led him to marry a swan maiden, only for her to eventually return to the skies, leaving a legacy of eleven sons.
- Tea Ceremony: Another recent creation from 2025, “Tea Party,” captures a youthful beauty in exquisite headwear, holding a teacup. It`s an intimate scene, reflecting moments of tranquility and cultural ritual.
- Khansha on Pillows: This intriguing figure, adorned with leather pendants and suede boots, depicts a princess who, despite humble beginnings, rose to lead a nomadic state through her exceptional skill in solving riddles.
- The Old Warrior and His Steed: Balancing the feminine narratives, “Old Warrior” stands with spear, bow, and quiver, yet his countenance exudes peace. He represents the forces of light and order. His companion, the “Warhorse of the Buddhist King Chakravartin,” symbolizes tireless dedication and protection, a mythological creature capable of encircling the earth thrice in a day, banishing the rider`s fears.
`Bayar Khansa,` 2020. A testament to ancestral craftsmanship.
A Timeless Tapestry of Art and Heritage
Dashi Namdakov`s “Ulger: Tales and Dreams” exhibition is a powerful demonstration that artistry knows no bounds, whether in monumental bronze or delicate miniature. It`s a poignant exploration of cultural identity, family bonds, and the quiet resilience of tradition in the face of modernity. By collaborating with his sisters, Namdakov has not merely created dolls; he has breathed new life into ancestral stories, preserving them in a tangible, enchanting form. This collection is a rare opportunity to witness an artist known for his epic scope delve into the intimate, proving that sometimes, the grandest narratives are found in the smallest details.
