Tekke Wedding Headdress

Turkmenistan

Early 20th century

Metal, beads, cotton, silk

Weddings in Turkmenistan are displays of traditions and customs, and although the style of wedding headdresses has evolved over the past 100 years, the bride’s clothing continues to reflect ancient beliefs. The Tekke are the largest tribal group in Turkmenistan, and a Tekke woman’s position in society may be easily ascertained by her clothing and accessories. The silver and jewelry adorning the headdress would be a significant financial investment for a wedding. In the past, the embellishments on a woman’s garments increased as she approached marriageable age, and then gradually decreased after the bearing of children. An egme, the silver-plated frontal band, comprises part of the jewelry on this headdress. A bride’s wedding attire would be adorned with charms and amulets to guard against evil forces. Silver, along with the semiprecious stones, is believed to protect from illness and death.