Ancient art continues to shine thanks to Kazakh jeweler
Using a burner and simple tools such as tweezers and a hammer, Berik Alibai turns metals and precious stones into pieces of art.
The 56-year-old man has the nickname the "golden hands of Kazakhstan".
In his workshop, swords and daggers seem to have been taken from Asian fairy tales. Rings, earrings and bracelets made according to nomadic traditions bring visitors closer to the lives of Kazakhs in ancient times.
Born in a small village in the Zhambyl region in the southern part of the country, Alibai comes from a craftsman's family and has worked as a jeweler for about 40 years. The master has also taken part in the restoration of jewelry relics for the country's national museum.
"My great-grandfather and grandfather were jewelers. When I was young, I always helped them. I dreamed of having my own workshop," Alibai says.
"In the 1990s, the dream came true."
