In response to the President of Uzbekistan’s resolution of May 27, 2022, the State Museum of Applied Arts and the History of Handicraft hosted the “Do’ppi Party” event. This event was dedicated to the skullcap, an important part of the national costume of the Uzbek people.
The skullcap is a common type of folk applied art in Uzbekistan. It was worn by both men and women, and its ornamentation depended on the social status of its wearer. This traditional headdress has its roots in Persian and Turkic cultures, and is particularly popular in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Uzbek skullcaps differ from those of other peoples in their shape and decoration. They are usually embroidered on velvet or silk with satin and gold threads. The skullcap consists of three parts: a top, a band, and a finishing braid.
The skullcap has various shapes and ornaments in different regions of the country. It is usually made by women, but sometimes men also take part in the craft. The design of the skullcap is affected by the environment and the culture of the region.
For example, skullcaps from Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya are typically round and dome-shaped, and are embroidered with bright contrasting threads. In Bukhara, they are usually embroidered with golden threads. The skullcaps of the Fergana Valley are the most ancient, with the most famous examples coming from Chust, Margilan, Kokand, and Andijan.
At the “Do’ppi Party” event, embroiderers from Margilan demonstrated the process of making skullcaps in this region. Guests could learn more about the craft and even try their hand at embroidering a skullcap. In addition, there was a special musical program and a documentary film about this traditional headdress.
Nazokat Usmanova, UzA