Papakha Collection

A group of military Cossacks, 1880. Creator: Unknown
A group of military Cossacks, 1880. From a collection of 153 photographs and documents held in the Berdsk Historical Art Museum

Photo portrait of the merchant of the 2nd guild Vasily Ivanovich Karnakov, 1890. Creator: Akselrod
Photo portrait of the merchant of the 2nd guild Vasily Ivanovich Karnakov, 1890. This collection includes more than four hundred photographs of daily life in Yenisei Province in the late tsarist

A Turkoman Interior; Notes on Western Turkistan, 1875. Creator: Unknown
A Turkoman Interior; Notes on Western Turkistan, 1875. From Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] and Galpin

A Tartar School; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
A Tartar School; The Caucasus, 1875. From Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] and Galpin

Cossack of the Line; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Cossack of the Line; The Caucasus, 1875. From Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] and Galpin

Djighitoffka Cossacks; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Djighitoffka Cossacks; The Caucasus, 1875. From Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] and Galpin

Caucasian mountaineers dancing the "Lesghinska"; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Caucasian mountaineers dancing the "Lesghinska"; The Caucasus, 1875. From Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] and Galpin

Wallachian Peasant; A Visit to the Danubian Principalities, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Wallachian Peasant; A Visit to the Danubian Principalities, 1875. From Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] and Galpin

Gipsy of the Caucasus; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Gipsy of the Caucasus; The Caucasus, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

An old Gipsy of Mozdock; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
An old Gipsy of Mozdock; The Caucasus, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

Cossack; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Cossack; The Caucasus, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

Cossack's at shooting practice; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Cossack's at shooting practice; The Caucasus, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

A Kabardan of the Caucasus; The Caucasus, 1875. Creator: Unknown
A Kabardan of the Caucasus; The Caucasus, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

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Papakha, also known as a Caucasian hat or astrakhan hat, is a traditional woolen headwear worn by men in the Caucasus region. The distinctive tall and cylindrical shape of the papakha has been a symbol of masculinity and strength for centuries. Made from sheepskin or karakul fur, these hats are not only practical for keeping warm in cold mountain climates but also serve as a cultural emblem that reflects the rich history and traditions of the people who wear them. Whether adorned with decorative tassels or left plain, the papakha is an iconic accessory that adds flair to any outfit. From weddings to festivals, this timeless piece continues to be cherished and passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom. So next time you see someone sporting a papakha, remember it's more than just a hat - it's a symbol of heritage and pride.