Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar tests his harness.

Shiliuyun- Xinjiang Daily (Correspondent: Utkur Nijat) news: On March 9, 2023, walking into Torhenjar’s harness workshop in Kuokezhuoerga Village, Kuokeagashi Township, Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang, one can see various harnesses of different sizes, such as horsewhips, saddles, horselocks and bits.

Torhenjar, 40 years old, has been engaged in harness-making for 15 years. He is famous for his excellent craftsmanship. Many people come here to ask him to make harnesses. Now he has become one of the best harness makers in Fuhai County and even in Altay Prefecture.

Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar prepares to deliver finished saddles to customers.

Born into a herding family, Torhenjar has been living with horses since childhood and gradually became interested in harness-making. Once at a handicrafts fair in Fuhai County, Torhenjar was attracted by various harnesses on display. After that, he began to learn skills from harness makers. Now, with his dexterity and hard work, he earns 5000 yuan a month from harnesses.

In his spare time, Torhenjar will make all kinds of harnesses in his workshop. Each step, including material selection, processing, drying, molding and nailing, is carried out according to the making process of traditional Kazakh craftsmanship. Exquisite harnesses are very popular with many consumers. "Practicality is more important for regular horsewhips, so it doesn't need much decoration. But now more and more people like to collect exquisite harnesses as handicrafts, so I want to make more effort on design and processing, and I'm glad that people like it," Torhenjar said.

Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar makes horsewhip.

Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar sorts his honor certificates.

Accroding to Ziyatbek Tieliewuhan, secretary of the Party branch of Kuokezhuoerga Village, “In these years, with the continuous development of Altay's tourism industry, tourists are interested in horse culture, and the demand for harnesses is also growing, which is a business opportunity for Torhenjar. The harnesses made by Torhenjar are of good quality and novel style. Over the years, he has made more money by making horsewhip, saddle, horselock and other harnesses.”

Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar and his wife organize shelves in their supermarket.

Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar places harnesses.

Photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows Torhenjar Humar (first from right) introduces harnesses to customers.

“Making harnesses is my favorite thing and an indispensable part of my life. Over the years, I have been sticking to it and making more people know and love this craft with Kazakh characteristics,” Torhenjar Humar said.

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