Let's take a closer look at the aragchin (skull cap) from the museum's Textile, Clothing, Embroidery collection!

 

Headdresses and head decorations, distinguished by their originality and diversity, reflected women’s ethnic affiliations, as well as their social and age differences. The arakhchin (a skull cap) included in this group was a traditional headdress. The arakhchin, which boasts vibrant decorations and artistic embroidery, was fastened with clamps or cord beneath the jaw. The top of an arakhchin was covered with orpek (a headscarf), kelaghai, and other scarves that were pinned with decorated head pins.

 

Arakhchin (skull cap). Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan. Early 20th century. Cotton. Satin stitch embroidery, julma (“Bird's Eye”). Inv. No. 471

 

Arakhchin (skull cap). Karabakh, Azerbaijan. Early 19th century. Termeh, cotton. Gold embroidery, julma (“Bird's Eye”). Inv. No.1426