Overview

This fur-trimmed winter hat is likely a Kyrgyz “tebetei,” a traditional Central Asian headdress with a crown constructed from four wedge-shaped panels joined by decorative leather lacing, trimmed generously with curly fleece or shearling. The hat’s small scale suggests it was made for a child or young woman. This piece is understood to have been acquired during Tom and Sherry Wilson’s travels, consistent with the documented September 2000 Craft World Tours “Central Asia: Silk & Craft Route” itinerary, which crossed into Kyrgyzstan through Osh and Bishkek.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: A petite fur-trimmed winter hat, 10″ total width x 8″H, 8.5″ inside diameter, suited to a child or small adult; suede/leather crown with a thick curly fleece brim encircling the base.
Artistry & Ornamentation: The crown is built from four wedge-shaped suede panels joined by decorative crisscross leather lacing meeting at a central cross point at the top; each panel is hand-embroidered with small floral sprigs in blue and red thread with curling stem details.
Structural Base: Suede/leather crown construction with a deep, curly cream-colored fleece or shearling collar trim; no maker’s mark observed.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: The suede crown and embroidery appear well-preserved; the fleece trim is full and fluffy with wear consistent with age and handling.
Structural Integrity: The construction appears stable and sound. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.

tebetei

Vintage Kyrgyz Tebetei Fur-Trimmed Embroidered Winter Hat, Central Asia