Gifts from an ancient land

Kyrgyz Konnection at gift mall offers one-of-a-kind crafts

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Kyrgyzstan is not an easy word to pronounce. Neither is the name of the woman native to this country, Cholpon Djumabaeva. But the items Djumabaeva imports from Kyrgyzstan readily translate into the universal language of sight and touch — they’re warm, soft and colorful. Djumabaeva (pronounced JOOM-ah-BY-vah) and her husband, Jon Ortgiesen, sell hats, artwork and other gifts at their new business, Kyrgyz Konnection, at the Gift Harbor Gift Mall on Harborview Drive. The couple travels to the East Asian country to select eyeglass cases, purses, slippers and wall hangings that are handcrafted from natural fibers dyed in the wool. Rugs and wall hangings are handmade, which makes each piece one-of a-kind. The designs incorporate ancient ornaments, geometrical patterns and symbols of nature. The gift items are a unique blend of Asian and Russian themes — chess sets with tiny hand-painted figures reflect Russian origins, while long, velvet appliquéd robes ring of the Far East. “Cholpon’s sister is a seamstress,” Ortgiesen said. “She’s very good at what she does.” Kyrgyzstan (pronounced KEER-ji-stan) is a Central Asian country situated just west of China. Formerly under Soviet rule, the country achieved independence in 1995. It is one of the most ancient nations of Asia. Its original people were nomadic tribes who slept in portable dwellings called yurts. Things are quite a bit different now. “It’s becoming a tourist destination for Europeans all over because of its natural beauty,” Ortgiesen said. “Everyone is always on a cell phone.” “In my country, we study everything,” Djumabaeva said. “The new generation is very smart. They all know several languages.” Ortgiesen has been a Gig Harbor resident for 20 years, but he was determined that neither he nor his children would be one of those Washingtonians who never leave the state. “I love to travel,” he said. “I’ve traveled all over Europe, Asia and Africa.” Ortgiesen met his wife after they had communicated by e-mail and talked on the phone for two years. “She had a girlfriend that spoke English and she translated over the phone,” Ortgiesen said. “By the time we met, we knew each other pretty well.” The pair originally planned to meet in Italy, but when Djumabaeva had trouble obtaining a visa, Ortgiesen said, “I’ll come there.” After a grueling flight, the American landed in Kyrgyzstan at 5 a.m. with little more than an ounce of energy left in his body. “As soon as I walk outside, this woman grabs me and pulls me into this taxi,” he laughed. “She said, ‘We have to celebrate.’ ” Ortgiesen’s future wife drove him around town in the wee morning hours, riling up shop owners to open up and sell them goods for celebration. “All of those people must sleep right next to their doors,” Ortgiesen said. “She was banging on their doors and they’d open right up and let us in to buy wine, champagne or whatever we wanted,” he said. Djumabaeva was the manager of the state TV station and was apparently well-known around town. She took Ortgiesen to meet her mom, who met him in grand style. “It was like everybody in town was waiting for me,” Ortgiesen said. “There was this table piled with food, and we walked down to the lake singing songs in Russian, although I don’t know a word of Russian.” Ortgiesen noted that, although Djumabaeva and her family were all tall and thin, “They could put away the food like you wouldn’t believe.” He attributes that to the fact that all the food they eat is natural. “Their food isn’t packed full of preservatives,” he said. After several globe-hopping visits, the pair married in Roche Harbor in the San Juans three years ago. Two years ago, the couple finally made it to Italy. For more information about the Kyrgyz Konnection, call 253-857-7890 or visit www.kyrgyzkonnection.com.

Kyrgyzstan Konnection

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.