YELAI × Aya Shalkar Mergen Ring
In 2025, YELAI collaborated with artist Aya Shalkar as part of her project «Mergen», unveiled at Sapar Contemporary in New York.
As part of this collaboration, Assemgul created the «Mergen» Ring - a silver archer’s thumb ring inspired by nomadic heritage. Additionally, Assemgul served as the creative director of the project.
The «Mergen» ring is inverted by historical relics, with every line and intricate detail designed to sit comfortably on the thumb, allowing a horse archer to hold an arrow firmly and release it with control.
The moon engraved on the surface symbolizes spiritual maturity and protection, while the star represents a radiant path, guiding one forward. The tulip signifies renewal and the endless cycle of rebirth, while the ornamental motifs reflect prosperity and abundance in Turkic tradition.
On the inside of the ring, the word «Mergen» is engraved in ancient runic script, honoring the enduring legacy of the ancestors.
Historical significance
Nomadic peoples spent much of their lives on horseback, and the archer’s ring played an essential role in mounted archery. Worn on the thumb, it protected it from the tension of the bowstring while enabling a controlled and precise release of the arrow.
Beyond its practical function, the ring also symbolized status and mastery. Crafted from metal, wood, and animal bone, these rings reflected both the noble standing of their wearer and their exceptional skill in archery.
Mythology
In the mythology of Mergen, the figure of the archer carries deep symbolic meaning.
“To those who gazed upon the horizon, the rider and horse appeared as one — an inseparable being, as if they had been destined to move as one. Their unity, grace, and extraordinary mastery were so striking that the legend of the centaur — a creature both human and horse — was born from this vision.”
Legends, however, are more than just stories. The unmatched skill of our ancestors established them as some of history’s greatest archers, and their remarkable feats continue to live on through legend and memory.
Yelai’s intention
The «Mergen» ring symbolizes unyielding strength, essential for finding a unique life path and achieving meaningful goals.
A person’s destiny is shaped by the choices they make along their journey. To reach a desired aim, one must embody the decisiveness, confidence, and precision of a true archer.
Thus, the «Mergen» ring transcends mere adornment - it becomes a companion for those who remain true to their purpose and aim directly at their target.