Clothing and Jewelry

Turkmen clothing and jewelry are far more than mere fashion statements; they embody a rich cultural heritage that reflects social status, regional identity, and practical needs. These garments and accessories serve not only as a showcase of elegance and color but also as protection against the harsh climate and malevolent forces. Unlike their Central Asian counterparts, Turkmen people have preserved a deep-rooted commitment to traditional attire, with many men and women continuing to wear these historic costumes today.

Traditionally, the art of sewing and embroidery in Turkmenistan was the domain of local women. From an early age, girls learned the intricate techniques of embroidery that have become synonymous with Turkmen fashion. Mastery in selecting the appropriate fabrics and creating each piece with skill is a craft honed over many years.

Men’s Attire

The traditional clothing for Turkmen men includes simple black trousers, a white shirt adorned with embroidery around the collar, an overcoat, and a wide red silk belt known as a ketene. A key component of men’s attire is the telpek, a distinctive sheep wool hat that serves as a hallmark of Turkmen dress. This hat, available in white, brown, or black, signifies the wearer’s social status through its color. Men also wear dressing gowns called dons and skullcaps known as khatya, often featuring fine embroidery.

Footwear varies among Turkmen men, with options including curved-toe shoes or sandals worn over woolen stockings. Wealthy and noble individuals might wear high-heeled leather boots, while more common choices include soft boots called kovush, typically paired with leather galoshes.

Women’s Attire

The traditional dress for Turkmen women has maintained its distinctiveness over centuries. Today, traditional costumes are once again popular, with many women in the capital city of Ashgabat donning vibrant and colorful dresses. Women’s folk costumes frequently feature ruby, maroon, or crimson homespun silk, colors that have historically symbolized the power of nature and were believed to possess magical properties for health, fertility, and protection.

Women’s attire includes a straight-cut dress or shirt, trousers, a robe, and a headdress that signifies marital status. The clothing is richly embroidered, with patterns and colors varying by region, and each piece is crafted with techniques that ensure its uniqueness. Women’s shirts are typically more elaborately embroidered than men’s, with differences in collar shape and length. Older women tend to wear garments with less embroidery and more subdued colors.

Jewelry

Jewelry plays an integral role in traditional Turkmen dress, initially valued for its protective qualities against evil. Turkmen jewelry is adorned with stylized representations of insects and animals, believed to connect humans with nature. The use of silver combined with precious and semi-precious stones reflects the belief in the magical powers of these materials.

Over time, Turkmen clothing and jewelry became symbols of social status. Archaeological finds show that jewelry was worn by both men and women, and even the esteemed Akhal-Teke horses were adorned with silver and gemstone trinkets.

Today, Turkmen jewelry is a striking representation of local culture, with bracelets, brooches, pendants, rings, and earrings becoming essential to the female wardrobe. Young girls start wearing jewelry early, beginning with simple bracelets and pearl beads sewn into their clothing, and as they grow, their collection of jewelry expands.

Modern artisans continue to use traditional techniques to craft exquisite gold and silver jewelry, and these masterpieces can now be found in museums around the world, showcasing the enduring legacy of Turkmen craftsmanship.