Learn about ancient Kyrgyz nomad costumes and try on your very own “Elechek”

Nomads’ traditional costumes and “Elechek”
Through the centuries,Kyrgyz shepherds created various types of clothing suited to their nomadic lifestyle. One unique example is the “Elechek”, which is a traditional multi-layered cloth headdress worn by nomadic women. Aside from its ornamental appeal, it also protects Kyrgyz women from the cold, heat, and the wind. The reams of cloth are also essential in emergencies or celebrations such as a wedding, childbirth or a funeral. In addition, the size and decoration of the elechek also serve to distinguish the social status and age of its owner.

Women start to wear the elechek after marriage and the actof placing the white elechek on a new daughter-in-law is highly symbolic. From that momentshe is considered an owner of the home and its color embodies femininity, nobility and purity. Learn more about these ancient nomadic costumes through this workshop and try them on too!