41657
The WAC web information portal made a photoblog, which shows in detail the process of making the Abkhazian memorial candle of ashamaka.
Menu
6 July 2026
14:50
04/06/2021 13:35
Making of ashamaka: technology in detail
Famous Abkhazian artist Batal Japua. It was he, who at the request of the WAC volunteered to assemble the ashamaka memorial candle for the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Caucasian War.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
Batal Japua says that "he tried to follow the very rules by which the candle was assembled in the old days as much as possible," and the process in general turned out to be the same.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
For the base of the candle, Batal Japua used narrow cotton medical bandages. They were to be twisted into long threads. In the old days, this was a more difficult task. This required cotton, which was specially grown.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
The resulting long strands are dipped into the melted wax. After the first time, the thread turns out to be a little rough, so it must be sanded with a cloth. The workpiece must be dipped into the melted wax again in order to obtain a cord candle that is already round, the same along the entire length and thickness.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
In the center of a large candle there is a wooden rod on which the entire structure is wound. In some cases, when the candle is very large, the rod is made of cardboard paper, which burns along with the candle.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
The number of cords depends on the diameter of the candle base. The larger the diameter, the more there are cords, of course.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
To get a symmetrical and correct weaving figure, one has to understand the diameter of the base, divide it into four parts around the circumference, draw vertical lines.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
Ashamaka used to be placed on a stand, which was made separately and made of wood. The wooden stand consisted of three legs and was made by men. At the same time, an elderly "pure" woman had the prerogative of weaving the candle itself.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba
For two years now, the World Abaza Congress has been specially making ashamaka for the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Caucasian War and solemnly lights the candle on this holiday.
© WAC / Naala Avidzba