Many tourists bring tubeteika to their homeland as a souvenir. However, not everyone knows the meaning of ornaments and the shape of the national Uzbek hat.
What is tubeteika?
The word "tubeteika" has Tatar roots and came from the word "skull", which means the upper part, the top.
Tubeteika is the national headdress of the East. Having a sharp or rounded form, it is decorated with embroidery or woven patterns. In Uzbekistan, this accessory is worn by children, men and women. There are many types of tubeteika for different occasions and events.
How to distinguish tubeteikas?
The shape and color scheme help to determine the region, status and even the age of the owner. Ornaments deserve special attention. Many of these symbols serve as a guard against jinx, while others bring wealth, luck and prosperity.
A headdress for men is made from satin or velvet and has dark tones close to black.
Tubeteikas for women are of light colors and are made from velvet, silk or brocade, also decorated with beads, bright stones and sparkles.
Kids wear colorful hats with fluffy tassels.
Tubeteikas are divided into six types depending on regions: Bukhara, Samarkand, Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, Khorezm and Tashkent. The variety of Uzbek ornaments is amazing. Patterns have been honed by craftsmen for many centuries, and now are transmitted from master to student. They can be cut out in the form of contours of animals or birds, plants or just complex patterns.
The most common embroidery designs are:
- Pepper – a symbol of purity and estrangement from everything earthly;
- Bunches of feathers, bird motif – a symbol of higher wisdom;
- The branches of roses – a symbol of peace and beauty;
- Floral motif – a symbol of life and fertility;
- Holy Arabic inscriptions – a blessing to the accessory owner.
The national tubeteika became very popular in the early twentieth century, spreading from Uzbekistan around the world. In many world museums tubeteikas take part in various exhibitions. However, a complete collection of all types of tubeteikas can be found exclusively in museums of Uzbekistan, such as the Museum of Applied Arts or the Museum of the History of Uzbekistan.
