Traditional Uzbek male

The Uzbek traditional hat (so-called tyubeteika)

Tyubeteika has always been one of the most popular and widespread types of applied art of Uzbekistan. It looks like a hard or soft cap on the lining; became a part of the Uzbek national costume, came into the life and traditions of Uzbek people. This hat (from the Turkic "Tube" - top) is not only the national head-dress among the Uzbeks, but also among other Central Asian nations.


They are classified by types: men, women, children, for old people. Old women do not wear it. Child's tyubeteikas (kulohcha, kalpakcha, duppi, kulupush) are colorful fabrics, fluffiness of tassels and beads, embroidery, spangles and lots of charms. The most common forms of Uzbek tyubeteikas are- square, slightly conical. Tyubeteikas are made of two or more layers of fabric quilted and fixed with a silk or cotton thread. The ready one is embroidered with a silk thread, gold or silver cantle. Women were skilled in the art of embroidery of tyubeteykas.

The most common patterns of embroidery include flower motif, almond-shaped motif "bodom" – a symbol of life and fertility. "Ilon izi" (trail snakes) is a widespread pattern in the ornament of  tyubeteikas, it acts as a talisman. Geometric patterns were also popular.