The Museum of A.K. and T.P. Bardiny

Bardin, Alexander Kindishevich came up with the idea to establish the museum back when he was Director of the state farm in the late 80’s. He himself had kinship to the Mnaiman family and in 1989 he was elected as a leader of the family – Zaisan and then Agazaisan of all the Altai families. Ever since the Altaians became part of the Russian Empire, ethnographers have expressed concerns relating to preservation of the Altaians and the Altaic language because of their small number. Alexander Kindishevich was also fond of collecting pedigrees because all Altaians belong to a particular pedigree that comes from the father.

The household ail represents housekeeping of the Altaians of the 1920s – 1940s. The tour guide tells about the line of pedigrees, ceremonies and rituals related to everyday life from birth to passing to the world of ancestors. He also explains features of national cuisine, recipes for preparation and conservation of food, as well as its transportation.

The Ail of Friendship, Peace and Concord tells about religious beliefs and cosmogonic views of the peoples who inhabited the Altai from the ancient centuries till the present time. For example, it explains, why in the traditional home of the Altaians there are 6 corners, and how that relates to the energy components of a person. Some ceremonies are shown. Here, paintings of the artists are represented.

The Ail of Zaisan (or the Ail of Gurkin) represent three expositions. Two expositions are dedicated to the life and creative work of G. I. Gurkin. The third one tells about statehood of the Altai peoples from the ancient times to the present.