Kimeshek

Description

Kimeshek is a traditional headdress for married women in Kazakhstan.
It is made of white cotton fabric with a triangular cut.
The product consists of two layers of fabric. The front and ceiling of the individual cut are stitched, and a battle plate is placed on top. The forehead, necklace, and belt are embroidered with patterns in red, green, and purple threads.
It covers the woman’s head, neck, and chest, leaving only the face exposed.
The lower part expands and rests on the shoulders and chest, resembling a long breastplate.
It is decorated with embroidery, ornaments, and sometimes with beads or silver patches, depending on the family’s wealth.
The color and design indicate the woman’s age, social status, and region of origin.
It symbolizes marriage, modesty, and respect.
In everyday life, it protects against the sun and wind, and in ritual terms, it is an important part of the traditional costume.
The ornaments on the kimeshek symbolize:
Geometric patterns
1. “Koshkar muyiz” (ram’s horns) is the most common motif, symbolizing abundance and fertility.