Telpek

The process of sewing telpeks is a rather time-consuming task, so family members of different ages take part in its manufacture.

The skin is spread out and generously sprinkled with salt, folded into an envelope and left for several days.

The craftsmen, who are convinced of the complete dressing of the sheepskin, wash it several times and begin to scrape it with a smooth stone.

The practical advantages of the traditional headgear also play a role in this, as it has insulating properties that are of high importance in Turkmenistan, where there are sometimes extreme temperatures in both the positive and negative ranges.

[1][5] In addition, the telpek is now understood as a symbol of Turkmen identity and culture and is worn, for example, on official occasions.