Kyrgyzstan
Late 20th century
Felted wool, velvet, embroidery
Men throughout Kyrgyzstan wear the Kalpak for the warmth it provides in the winter and the shade it offers in the summer. The felt hat is a reflection of the country’s nomadic past, when sheep herding was the main livelihood. Today, the Kalpak has become a symbol of the country and an essential component of the national costume.