Ushanka: Encyclopedia - Ushanka

Ushanka

An ushanka (уша́нка) [oo-shah-n-kah] is a Russian fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, which is often made of fur, or tied at the chin to protect the ears from the cold.

Though ushankas are a distinctly Russian hat, indeed, the stereotypical Russian is seen to wear one, the wearing of fur caps of similar design is common throughout China, North Korea, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is possible that Russians adopted this design from Mongols during the Middle Age Mongol invasion of Russia.

It is not considered masculine among Russian men to wear the ear flaps down, though a stereotypical dustman is usually portrayed wearing his ushanka with flaps untied, one pointing down and one up.

In the English-speaking world, it is sometimes refered to as a shapka (from Shápka/шáпкa). However, this usage is not accurate, but is rather a Russian language word meaning simply 'hat'. 'Ushanka' literally translates as "ear-flaps hat".

They are often made from rabbit fur and muskrats, though other animals, such as wolves or dogs, are not uncommon, with particularaly fine examples being made of fox, marten, or high-quality sheepskin. Artificial fur hats are also manufactured, these days frequently for sale to tourists.

Categories: Hats | Russian clothing

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Ushanka", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki