Zhegde, a robe-like head covering

Karakalpaks

Amu Darya delta

late 19th - early 20th century

Semi silk, cotton textile, silk threads

length 130.0; width 34.0; height 82.0

РЭМ 7403-15

A "zhegde" is a robe-like head covering worn by young women. It is hand-sewn from a glossy red half-silk fabric with narrow white stripes. It is tunic-like, unlined, with long, false sleeves tapering toward the wrist. The sleeves are folded over the back and fastened. Married women wore the "zhegde" over their headdress before going out. Young women sewed the "zhegde" from red fabric because, according to popular belief, its symbolism was closely linked to the energy of the sun and fire, which provide vitality, which young people especially needed.

Costume, women's, Costume, headdress