Daria Babaskina Baakhynai is a typeface and type specimen that uses typography as a tool of protest against colonialism, focusing on the erasure of the Sakha language, culture, nature and ethnic identity. The project is inspired by Sakha ornaments, poetry, and historical narratives. It integrates traditional patterns, national symbols, and visual metaphors to highlight the struggles of an Indigenous people of Russia. A major influence was ‘Саха орнаменнара’ (‘Sakha Ornaments’) by Mandar Uus, whose documented patterns reflect Sakha cultural values, particularly respect for nature.
The type specimen visually represents linguistic erasure through disappearing letters and overlays of red, signifying urgency in the face of political, environmental, and cultural crises. Such elements as the Sakha national flag, Osuokhai dance, and Serge columns are aligned with references to protests, forest fires and industrial blueprints, reflecting the different ways colonialism has affected the people of Sakha. The project also reflects personal history, incorporating my grandfather’s poetry, the structured alignment of which was preserved in the design.
With few Sakha typographers and a design industry focused on Russian-centric typography, Baakhynai is meant to raise visibility for the Sakha language through type. While its web version and promotional materials serve practical functions, the physical catalogue is intended for libraries and poetry readings, inviting viewers to engage deeply with its themes. The design contrasts strict, blueprint-like layouts with expressive illustrations, evoking a duality of the Indigenous experience—structured yet fluid, overwhelming yet intimate.
This project also served as a personal journey, fostering deeper connections with family and raising questions about cultural responsibility. Baakhynai is as an honest, emotional reflection on identity, language, and resilience.