| Kimeshek / Elechek | |
| Type: | Hat |
| Location: | Kazakhstan, Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan), and Kyrgyzstan |
| Ich: | Elechek, Kyrgyz female headwear: traditional knowledge and rituals |
| Id: | 01985 |
| Country: | Kyrgyzstan |
| Region: | APA |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Session: | 18th |
| List: | Representative |
Kimeshek (Kazakh: кимешек, Kara-Kalpak: кимешек) or Elechek (Kirghiz; Kyrgyz: элечек) is a traditional headgear of married women with children in Kazakhstan,[1] Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan) and Kyrgyzstan. Kimeshek is also worn by Central Asian Jewish women. Uzbek and Tajik women wear a similar headdress called Tajik: lachak.[2] Kimeshek is made of white cloth, and the edge is full of patterns. Kimeshek might have different designs and colors based on the wearer's social status, age, and family.[1]
In Karakalpakstan, there are two different types of kimeshek, alike in Kazakhstan, only married women wear kimeshek. A red kimeshek, or Kara-Kalpak: qızıl kiymeshek, was worn by a younger married woman. A girl preparing for marriage would make the kimeshek herself. As the woman grew older, she would instead wear a white Kara-Kalpak: aq kiymeshek. However, she would keep the red kimeshek. The kimeshek was considered very important; it was taboo to give one away.[3]