
Turkmen, probably Teke Turkmenistan
A newlywed woman in Teke Turkmen territory in Turkmenistan wore this densely embroidered cloak to cover her hair, shoulders, and back, with the false sleeves hanging down the back. She likely wore it again for special occasions later in life. The embroidered designs feature a stylized tulip, the first flower to bloom on the Central Asian steppes in spring, as a symbol of fertility. Women made and embroidered garments like these at home, although luxury versions of the mantle were also professionally made and sold in the marketplace. Simpler, less decorative versions were also created for everyday use.