''A Papakha does not signify warmth, it represents honour''
All Praporchik Papakhas are hand crafted by family of kozak (Tatars).
This model:
-Faux fur black & white sheepskin -Size approx 11cm height. -Crossed top tailored in the hat. -Cross on top, representing Orthodoxy. -Size: male.
White & Black? Whats difference. The sheep. Historically you did not choice hat, it chose you. Brown, white, dotted etc it's all normal. White colour if more populair among warm conditions as suprisingly it helps against sunstroke. (it's not hat for only warmth like Ushanka)
Kubanka model, often used in field / war/ training / weddings and all the important events a honorable cossack should dress up properly for.
Papakhas often are passed down, or rewarded. By Military commander, a father, a priest and or village eldest. (If wearer dies it goes back to firstborn, no children to village elder)
Since beginning strongly connected to the ortodox Church & military and cannot be seperated. It's not a hat, it's a culture.
Passed from Father to son, one has to be a man to wear one and a man cannot be without.
The papakha was used to seduce ladies, settle fights, show defeat or victory. Rich cossacks would own over 10-15 hats for special occasions. As the hats get gifted down they often are decorated with embroidery, important papers are kept in the rim.
