Sculptor Working in Sinop

The Dynamic Archive is part of the Sinopale 7 in Turkey. We include in the archive as components the methods of the workers working beside the Sinopale in their workshops.Esref Bas is a crafstman with a workshop in the Hal,  the central location of the Sinopale. Figure sculpting is the main subject of his work.The motives for these pieces are found in his cultural background. He is a Circassian and through sculpting he intends to introduce and preserve his culture. The Circassians are a ethnic group native from Circassia, a region in the North Caucasus and along the northeast shore of the Black Sea Region. During the conquest of Caucasus,  the Russian Empire started an ethic cleansing that resulted in the death  and expulsion of many Circassian people to the Ottoman Empire (1763–1864). 

The Horse is an important figure in Circassian Culture. It is displayed in movies and in plays and represents strength and endurance.For large sculptures like this, american clay is used. For sculpting he uses his own hands a set of tools he builds himself.  He recycles all types of materials to do these tools: old pieces of wood coming, toothbrushes, knifes and spoons.

Smaller sculptures require a stronger clay that can support more details. - The process starts with the creation of the mold using silicon. -  Pieces of wood are placed to prevent the appearing of empty holes caused by air bubbles. - After the casting, there are still some details to be worked on using manual tools. An air compressor can be used for achieving smooth and detailed results.

The figures and the colors used are also important representations of Circassian culture. The garments and patterns are real portrayals of the traditional clothing. The red color on the man acquires the meaning of sacrifice: the man is ready to fight and sacrifice himself for his people.