Abstract: The subject of this research is the works of one of the founders of visual art of Karachay-Cherkess Republic. The first professional Nogai painter – Karasov Yuri Baubekovich. The author conducts an art analysis of his artistic and graphic canvases from the ethnographic series “Nogai El”. The article determines the general style and circle of storylines of each composition, reveals the symbolic meaning of the key images, giving particular attention of examination of the compositional schemes, use of technical methods, reckoning of color formulas, and identification of the main coloristic preferences of the painter. The methods of art analysis of the oeuvres include the formal-stylistic and iconographic analysis of the entire series and separately depicted images. The author traces the process of creation of each composition, since the conception of the idea, until the final product; reveal the paths of creative search and sources of inspiration. The scientific novelty consists in introduction into the contemporary art studies of the circle of new, previously unrenowned compositions of the artist.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the complex of male and female traditional costume of Nogais, which reflects the characteristic features of nomadic or sedentary lifestyle of the ethnos. Currently, the examined question is insufficiently studied; it is practically not represented in museums or national life, and the main visual material consists in sketches and impressions of the travelers, as well as photo images of the XVIII-XX centuries. This research is conducted for closing such gap. The work applies the general and specific methods of culturological and art review; the method of field ethnography is used due to the disperse dwelling of the Nogais. This article is first to determine not just the local peculiarities, but also common features that characterize the Nogai costume as an integral and monumental phenomenon that has common constructive and compositional system. This research is called to acquire further development in reconstruction of costumes for the museum collections and stage variations.

Abstract:  
The subject of this research is the sculptural and visual solutions of the stone-carved stelas of the Nogais in form of the tombstones. Carved headstones of anthropomorphic and stela forms were decorated with calligraphic carve, geometrical and floral ornaments, trine emblems “tamga”, with abundance of the Islamic symbols and subject compositions. The anthropomorphic headstones have the silhouettes of the traditional male headgear of Nogai people, while the subject compositions consists of the realistic images of male and female appurtenances, clothes, and tools. The topic of the research is highly relevant and revealed from the various perspectives by the modern ethnographers, historians, and experts of Nogai culture. The question of gender affiliation of the stone-carved stelas remains open within the reviewed materials. This article is first to conduct classification in accordance with the gender affiliation, as well as carry out hermeneutical reading of the figurative elements. The main results of the work are aimed at elimination of the established gap.