I managed to buy 2 skull caps from Uzbekistan for my traditional hat collection. I have always been in love with those colourfull exotic skull caps from Central Asia. They are called tubeteikas (tubete means top or peak in Tatar) and are worn by men, women and children. Tubeteikas are different between regions and vary in shape (round or squared), ornament, colour, embroidery, fabrics, decoration etc. They are made of two or more layers of fabric quilted and fixed by silk or cotton threads. Most often, black satin or velvet are chosen for men's caps, and silk, velvet, and brocade for women's caps. They can be embroidered in silk, decorated with beadwork, gold and silver threads, beads and metal pieces, and the decoration is full of symbols.
The first cap is for a man from Chust, and is the most common one. It is black with four white patterns in the shape of a chili pepper flower capsicum (called "qalampur"); these flowers are supposed to protect a man's health from four sides, while the sixteen small patterned arches, located along the edge of the cap, mean a wish to have a big and friendly family with sixteen children.
The second cap is for a woman from Surkhandarya and has a very colourful embroidery in creed stitch (called "iroki"). Young Uzbek women often complete their modern clothing with a bright elegant scull-cap.
You can see some beautiful examples of Tubeteikas and read more about them here:
Tubeteika suits everybody
Hat Collection from Central Asia
Duppi-A Teapot cover? No, it is national headdress!
