Xinjiang Craftsmen Keep Ancient Ski Making Skills Alive
In the northernmost part of Xinjiang, the Altay region is home to a craft that has been passed down through generations – the making of horsehide skis. Slanbek Shahesh, a nearly 70-year-old craftsman, has been keeping this ancient skill alive for over 50 years. The wisdom of the local people is reflected in the craftsmanship of these skis, which are now in high demand among tourists.
The process of making horsehide skis is a painstaking one, involving ten steps and taking about half a month to complete. From selecting the wood to cutting and softening it, to bending the board, the craftsmanship requires patience and precision. The skis are made using local materials such as white pine or birch wood, and horse leg fur for the base. According to Slanbek, horse skin skis are strong, durable, and essential for navigating the snowy mountains in winter.
These traditional skis were once at risk of being forgotten, but thanks to the efforts of the local government in promoting protection and inheritance, as well as the booming winter tourism in Altay, horsehide skis have become increasingly popular. Slanbek was recognized as the representative inheritor of Altay City’s “horsehide ski making skills” in 2010, and a workshop and inheritance base were established for the craft.
His son, Juanshbek Slanbek, learned the skill from his father at a young age and has now innovatively launched a miniature version of the horsehide skis, as well as using social media to promote the craft. The demand for these skis has surged, with each pair costing 1,000 yuan and selling out quickly.
Local ski resorts and airports have also established horsehide ski exhibition halls, allowing visitors to experience the charm of this ancient skill firsthand. Events such as ski mountaineering are held every snow season, where locals and tourists alike can ride on horsehide skis and enjoy the snowy trails.
What was once a traditional hunting tool has now evolved into a hot-selling product for sports equipment and tourism. Both Slanbek and his son are dedicated to the inheritance and development of this ancient skill, with Juanshbek expressing his confidence in passing it on to the next generation. The future of horsehide skis looks bright, with a new generation of craftsmen poised to carry on this timeless tradition.